We live in a highly toxic world, and research proves this. An article by Jennifer J. Brown, Ph.D. reveals that heart toxins could be hiding in seemingly mundane things, from your medicine cabinet to your very dinner.
Toxic is equal to poisonous; such cardio toxins are highly detrimental to your health as they can potentially weaken heart muscle or damage its sensitive electrical system. Listed below are hidden toxins that could affect the heart, almost to a fatal extent.
Mercury in Fish
Not only is mercury an environmental pollutant; it is also highly toxic to the cardiovascular system. Its toxicity raises blood pressure, causes arrhythmias, and increases heart attack risk. Fish is known as the most common mercury source.
Dr. Brown advises to stay away from eating fish tagged as high in mercury. According to the U.S. food and Drug Administration (FDA), this is fish containing 100 to 200 mcg of mercury per 4 ounces of cooked fish. Fish with the highest mercury content include king mackerel, swordfish, shark, and Gulf of Mexico tilefish. Salmon and sardines have 100 times less mercury, making them safer choices.
The FDA recommends that women and young children should avoid eating any fish high in mercury.
Erectile Dysfunction Drugs
Drugs such as those for erectile dysfunction can overburden the heart, making them dangerous for patients with heart conditions. According to cardiologist Kevin Campbell, MD, assistant professor at the University of North Carolina in Raleigh, cardiac patients who are prescribed to take nitrates should stay away from erectile dysfunction drugs like Viagra and Cialis. Combining Viagra (sildenafil) with nitrate cardiac drugs such as nitroglycerine could lead to a highly risky drop in blood pressure. It is important for patients with erectile dysfunction to discuss their history of heart disease or symptoms, especially when discussing treatments, as the drugs may interact, which can be very dangerous to the health.