Leading cardiac surgeon reveals 3 silent killers behind heart disease

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death. About 17.9 million people die worldwide due to these diseases, and heart attack and stroke contribute largely. Some of the primary risk factors are preventable. Yes, that’s right. Dr. Jeremy London, a board-certified cardiovascular surgeon with more than 25 years of clinical experience, has now revealed three key factors that contribute to heart disease. Obesity is a major contributor to heart disease. Dr. London confirms the same. But obesity is often accompanied by several other factors that elevate the risk of heart disease. “Along with that, you know, comes poor diet and insulin resistance, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol,” the surgeon adds. These factors can lead to damage to the arteries, which can raise blood sugar and cholesterol levels. This could force the heart to work harder. According to a 2024 study, heart disease deaths related to obesity have increased by 180% in the US between 1999 and 2020. “Obesity is a serious risk factor for ischemic heart disease, and this risk is going up at an alarming rate along with the increasing prevalence of obesity. It is important for everyone, particularly people in high-risk groups, to take steps to manage their weight and reduce their risk of heart disease. Lifestyle changes are key, such as eating healthier, exercising regularly, and working with health care professionals to monitor heart health,” the researchers said.

Sedentary lifestyle

Alongside obesity, a sedentary lifestyle can further increase the risk of heart disease. Sitting is the new smoking. Prolonged sitting makes it harder for the body to regulate blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight. A 2024 study found that sedentary behaviour for 10 hours or more per day is associated with heightened risk of heart failure and cardiovascular death, even in those who regularly exercise. Yes, that’s right, even regular exercise cannot decrease the side effects of sedentary behaviour. “Our findings support cutting back on sedentary time to reduce cardiovascular risk, with 10.6 hours a day marking a potentially key threshold tied to higher heart failure and cardiovascular mortality. Too much sitting or lying down can be harmful for heart health, even for those who are active,” the researchers said.

Smoking

While obesity and inactivity are serious concerns, the cardiac surgeon says smoking remains the single worst habit for the heart. That’s right. Smoking is the worst thing you can do for your body. “Smoking affects the lungs, it affects all the arteries, and it's the leading risk factor really for heart disease,” Dr. London said in a podcast with Lewis Howes. A 2021 study found that smokers were more likely to die from heart disease than lung cancer. “Most people are aware of the risks of lung cancer with smoking, but many people who smoke do not realize that dying from cardiovascular disease is more likely than dying from lung cancer,” the lead author of the study said. “One of the most important findings of this analysis is that the first sign of cardiovascular disease is more likely to be a fatal event in those who smoke. Smoking is more likely to kill people from heart disease, even before someone may know they have heart disease,” the researcher added.