A doctor has identified four common traits that may increase the risk of heart disease. Each year, around two million people worldwide undergo open-heart surgery, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Additionally, the CDC reports that heart disease is responsible for one in four deaths annually.
Dr. Jeremy London, a heart surgeon who shares health insights on TikTok, recently highlighted “four common traits” often seen in his heart surgery patients. He emphasized that there’s one “worst thing” people can do for their health, and explained how weight gain can negatively affect blood pressure.
Smoking
Dr. London pointed out that many of his patients are smokers, describing it as “the single worst thing you can do for yourself.” He urged people to quit smoking to reduce cardiovascular risk. Smoking leads to fatty deposits in coronary arteries, restricting blood flow and raising the risk of heart attacks, according to the British Heart Foundation. In the UK, one in eight people smoke, and the NHS recorded over 408,700 hospital admissions due to smoking in 2022-2023.
Obesity
Dr. London noted that many of his patients are obese, highlighting that excess fat promotes inflammation and increases the risk of heart attacks, especially abdominal fat. Obesity raises bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels while reducing good HDL cholesterol, which helps lower heart disease risk. Additionally, it elevates blood pressure by increasing the body’s demand for oxygen and nutrients.
Diabetes
Managing glucose effectively is crucial for overall metabolic health, Dr. London explained, adding that a diet rich in whole foods, limiting processed foods, and exercising—such as taking a 15-minute walk after meals—can make a big difference. Diabetes UK estimates that 4.4 million people in the UK have diabetes, with 1.2 million potentially undiagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Symptoms of diabetes include extreme fatigue and slow-healing wounds.
Family History
Being aware of family medical history is important for recognizing an increased risk of conditions like heart disease and high blood pressure. Dr. London stressed that while we cannot change our genes, adopting healthy lifestyle choices can positively influence gene expression and improve cardiovascular health. Healthy WA advises collecting family health information from immediate relatives and extending to aunts, cousins, and grandparents for a clearer picture of inherited risk factors.