Some of your worst daily habits might be sending your risk of heart disease skyrocketing. According to cardiovascular specialists across the country, many of America's most common bad habits are the reason that heart disease continues to be the number one killer. What's important to note that while there are certain risk factors that cannot be changed, there are many, many others that can be either reduced or eliminated completely with just a few minor changes.

Americans sit far too much and get very little exercise. As little as a few decades ago, most jobs require at least moderate activity throughout the day but these days, there is very little real need to move. That is spelling disaster, not only for waistlines but for heart health as well. And, forget getting a short walk or other exercise during the day to counteract all that sedentary time. According to researchers, intermittent exercise does very little to offset the dangers of long hours spent sitting down.

It is estimated that as many as eighteen million American adults have obstructive sleep apnea which is marked by loud snoring and day time sleepiness. In addition, that disorder increases the blood pressure and increases the risk of heart disease. Lack of sleep may also play a role in weight gain which also increases heart disease risk as well.

Most people know that smoking is a risk factor for heart disease but the risk is also increased for the people who live with smokers. The American Heart Association estimates that some 46,000 non-smokers who live with smokers die from heart disease every year. Another habit, excess drinking, has also been linked to heart diease by raising blood pressure as well as blood fat levels. Alcohol also has extra calories that can lead to weight gain. Seventy two percent of men and sixty four percent of women in the US are overweight, another important risk factor for heart disease.

Many of the people who are overweight will make some changes to try to reduce their heart disease risk factors. While that is a positive, it can also pose another risk, often called "weekend warrior syndrome" where a basically sedentary person will jump into an exercise routine without a real plan. Instead of easing their way into that routine, they go all out for the first few days, injure themselves and then quit completely.

It is important to maintain a healthy weight via diet and exercise, to reduce salt and stress as much as possible, to quite smoking and to only drink in moderation if at all. Keeping up with doctor visits and testing as well as taking all medications as directed are also important to keep the heart healthy.