4-Eating foods high in sodium
Sodium, which is found in salty foods, can cause major cardiovascular problems. Sodium interferes with your kidneys’ ability to work properly, which can cause your blood cells to retain water. This makes it more difficult for oxygen-rich blood to move around the body. It eventually leads to thicker artery walls, which can lead to heart disease or a heart attack. Keep to a diet of no more than 1,500 milligrams of sodium per day – the average American eats about 3,400 milligrams a day.