Top News

Your heart may be tired of you saying yes all the time: Cardiologist reveals 5 'innocent' habits harming your health
ET Online | December 1, 2025 11:40 PM CST

Synopsis

US cardiologist Dr Dmitry Yaranov has warned that everyday habits people consider harmless may be silently harming long-term heart health. In an Instagram post, he highlighted five behaviours driving serious issues like burnout, diabetes and cardiovascular disease: lack of sleep, prolonged sitting, unmanaged stress, eating on the run and overcommitting. He noted rising cardiac emergencies even among seemingly healthy young adults. Dr Yaranov urged boundary-setting, stress control and lifestyle awareness to prevent preventable heart problems.

Cardiologist Dr Dmitry Yaranov has warned that everyday habits that seem harmless may be quietly damaging health and increasing the risk of heart disease (Image: iStock)
A warning from a renowned heart specialist is urging people to rethink routines that appear harmless but may be silently damaging long-term health. In a detailed Instagram post, US-based cardiologist Dr Dmitry Yaranov, known online as heart_transplant_doc, explained that everyday actions people overlook can increase the risk of burnout, heart disease and metabolic disorders. The caution comes at a time when rising cases of cardiac emergencies are being reported even among younger adults who appear otherwise healthy.

Five daily habits that may secretly harm the heart

Quoting the report shared on Instagram, Dr Yaranov wrote that many lifestyle-driven health issues originate from seemingly normal habits. His list included five behaviours he frequently observes among patients struggling with serious cardiovascular challenges.

Lack of sleep

The cardiologist highlighted that the belief that sleep can be “made up later” is misguided and dangerous. Chronic sleep deprivation, he warned, raises the risk of diabetes, heart disease and severe exhaustion.


Sitting for long hours

Extended sitting, whether at a desk or couch, can slow metabolism and contribute to weight gain, back discomfort and even heart issues. Sedentary lifestyles, particularly in work-from-home culture, remain one of the biggest modern contributors to declining physical health.

Treating stress as normal

Ignoring stress or masking it under productivity culture can be harmful. According to the Mirror report, Dr Yaranov noted that unmanaged stress weakens both the heart and immune system, making stress management a necessity rather than a luxury.

Eating on the go

Fast food reliance or skipping meals due to busy schedules disrupts blood sugar balance and energy stability. Over time, such habits can lead to metabolic dysfunction.

Overcommitting and saying yes to everything

Among the most striking points was his warning about overcommitment. Constantly saying yes and pushing personal limits leaves little space for rest or self-care. Dr Yaranov wrote that burnout is “just around the corner” for those afraid to say no, urging people to set boundaries and prioritise recovery.

Dr Dmitry Yaranov is a board-certified advanced heart failure and transplant cardiologist who serves as the Medical Director for Advanced Heart Failure, Heart Transplant and Mechanical Circulatory Support at Memphis, Tennessee. He treats critically ill cardiac patients and is known for sharing accessible heart health guidance with his large online audience.

Physicians worldwide are observing a growing number of cardiac emergencies in individuals who appear fit but are internally strained by chronic stress, poor rest and rushed lifestyles. As Dr Yaranov’s message suggests, taking responsibility for small choices daily may be the simplest preventive step.


READ NEXT
Cancel OK