You’re probably conversant with the saying that the heart of the matter is a matter of the heart--nothing could be more apt. The heart does a very important job in the body: pump blood to all parts of the body; therefore, if the function of the heart is compromised, the whole body is at serious risk of danger. It goes then without saying that any habit that endangers your heart endangers your life.
What then are those habits that endanger your heart?
Smoking: Smoking tops the list and justifiably so. Because of the addictive power of nicotine many smokers will deliver so many excuses to justify this habit. The fact remains, and it is very simple; smoking damages your blood pipes and the inner linings of your heart, impairing your heart’s capacity to function. Further, smoking increases the risk of your blood clotting, predisposing you to stroke and heart attacks.
Sedentary lifestyle: its common knowledge that exercise is good for you, but it is also common knowledge that most of us do not exercise. Exercise keeps you active, keeps your heart active and keeps you alive. Therefore, failure to exercise or an overly sedentary lifestyle is dangerous to your heart. Inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle encourage fatty build up within your heart and blood vessels, which could predispose you to heart disease.
Overweight: We all know that there are certain things that move together as close friends. Inactivity and overweight are a close twin that often move together and endanger your heart. Being overweight predisposes to damage to the blood vessels and fat build up, and also increases your risk of diabetes, which, in turn, causes the above problems. 
Poor diet: You probably know the saying that you are what you eat-- again, very apt! If you choose to consume junk food rich in trans-fat, salts, and poor in fibers and nutrients, the result is simple, you’re going to build up bad fat within your heart and blood pipes, which puts you at risk of stroke and a heart attack. If you must eat out then read the label all the time to be sure these foods are not high in salts, trans-fats, and excess sugars. High sodium diet in canned food is another major culprit which endangers your heart.
Alcohol: Alcohol endangers your heart-- and forget about the drinking guidelines--no amount of alcohol is safe for your health. Excessive alcohol consumption not only weakens your heart with time, it damages your blood pipes and increases your blood pressure, both of which put you at risk of serious health problems, including heart attack and stroke. 
Take-home message: The habits that endanger your heart are not hidden. Unfortunately, many people defer modifying their habits until their hearts take the hit. Review your habits today to ensure you are taking care of your heart for the long haul.
