Heart attack can be fatal, and every minute without adequate blood flow can cause further damage to the heart muscle. Recognising the warning signs and understanding the risk factors can help people take steps to protect their health.
Common symptoms include chest pain or discomfort, pain in the upper body, shortness of breath, cold sweats, nausea, light-headedness and unusual fatigue.
A heart attack occurs when a blockage significantly reduces or cuts off blood flow to part of the heart muscle. Without enough oxygen, the affected tissue begins to suffer damage. Prompt medical treatment can restore blood flow and limit the harm. 
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Heart Association (AHA) identify several factors linked to cardiovascular disease. Some receive less attention than familiar risks such as smoking, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Here are five lesser-known factors that could increase your risk of a heart attack.
1. Pre-eclampsia During Pregnancy
Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterised by high blood pressure. It can affect a woman’s health during pregnancy and increase her risk of cardiovascular disease later in life.
Women who have experienced pre-eclampsia face a higher risk of developing conditions such as coronary artery disease. This occurs when the arteries supplying blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked.
A history of pre-eclampsia is therefore important when assessing a woman’s long-term heart health. Regular check-ups and monitoring blood pressure can help identify problems early.
2. Chronic Kidney Disease
Healthy kidneys remove waste and excess fluid from the blood. They also help regulate blood pressure and maintain the body’s fluid balance.
When the kidneys become damaged, they may struggle to perform these functions. Excess salt and fluid can accumulate, raising blood pressure and placing additional strain on the heart.
Chronic kidney disease is also associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular problems. Managing kidney health, monitoring blood pressure and following medical advice can help reduce related risks.
3. Physical Inactivity
Regular physical activity helps keep the heart and blood vessels healthy. Walking, cycling, dancing and other forms of exercise can all contribute to better cardiovascular health.
However, spending long periods sitting down and getting little exercise can increase the risk of heart disease. Inactivity can contribute to high blood pressure, weight gain and other conditions that strain the heart.
Even modest changes can make a difference. Taking regular movement breaks, walking more often and finding enjoyable ways to exercise can help people become more active.
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4. Air Pollution
Air pollution contains harmful gases and tiny particles released by sources such as vehicle exhausts, factories, burning rubbish, generators, wildfires and some cooking fuels.
When people inhale polluted air, these substances can trigger inflammation and other harmful responses in the body. The effects can extend beyond the lungs and affect blood vessels, including the coronary arteries.
Exposure to air pollution is linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. It may contribute to atherosclerosis, a condition in which fatty deposits build up inside artery walls, narrowing the vessels and restricting blood flow.
Reducing exposure to polluted air where possible can support better heart health.
5. Consistently Poor Sleep
Sleep quality matters as much as the number of hours spent in bed. Poor sleep may involve sleeping too little, waking repeatedly during the night, keeping irregular sleeping hours or feeling tired despite sleeping for long periods.
Most adults need at least seven hours of sleep each night. However, consistent routines and good-quality sleep also matter.
Blood pressure typically falls during sleep, giving the cardiovascular system time to recover. Poor sleep can interfere with this pattern and contribute to elevated blood pressure.
Over time, persistent sleep problems may increase cardiovascular risk. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule and seeking medical advice for ongoing sleep difficulties can help protect long-term health.
Understanding these less obvious risk factors is an important step towards protecting your heart. Regular medical check-ups, physical activity, healthy sleep habits and proper management of existing conditions can all support cardiovascular health.
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Story written by Oluwatoyin Ololade, edited by Sola Sanusi.
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