Heart disease is known as a silent killer. Most of the time it attacks unexpectedly or is detected in deadly stages. However, early discovery is the key. In addition to the obvious causes of heart disease, there are additional factors that you need to be aware of. Here are 5 surprising causes of heart disease and how to prevent it.

Loneliness. While this sounds like a cliché, there is a real truth to it. According to studies, the risk of heart disease can increase by at least 30 percent due to depression and loneliness. Unwanted isolation and loneliness can cause undue stress, high blood pressure, and depression. When this happens, certain brain chemicals also change, causing more damage to your body. It is important to have good social support and in the face of anguish. Also, if you feel the onset of depression, it is best to seek professional help immediately.

Drink regularly. Regular alcohol consumption can not only result in addiction and liver disease, but also hardening of the arteries. The cholesterol level can also increase. A contributing factor to heart disease. It’s okay to drink once in a while and drink in moderation.

recurring flu. If you get the flu regularly, that’s definitely a cause for concern, and it’s not just the flu itself. Being a viral condition, a person suffering from the flu may have a severely diminished immune system. That’s why the flu often comes with a cough, cold, and other illnesses. Unfortunately, a weakened immune system can be prone to heart disease because the virus can enter the valves and canals of the heart, which in turn will weaken the tissues.

Lack of vitamin D. Vitamin D is an important nutrient needed by the body. Lack of this vitamin is known to cause heart disease in some people. The good news is that vitamin D can be easily obtained from foods like oily fish, leafy green vegetables, egg yolks, orange juice, and soy milk. You can get yourself checked if your vitamin D deficiency is severe. Your doctor will likely give you vitamin D supplements or injections.

Diet pills. Although maintaining a healthy weight is important, the way you do it is also important. Diet pills, for example, can do more harm than good. Some diet pills have chemicals in them that can weaken heart muscles and block arteries, leading to heart disease. Take the safest route: exercise and a good diet. It’s the longest way to lose weight, but it’s still the best. If you really want to take diet pills, consult a doctor. At least one doctor can provide you with an informed choice and good medical advice.