Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States.

While it’s important to pay attention to the traditional risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking, there are also several surprising risk factors that you may not be aware of. Here are 11 surprising risk factors for heart disease in women:.

Studies have shown that social isolation and loneliness can increase your risk of heart disease. This is especially true for women, who tend to be more socially engaged than men.

Researchers believe that social isolation can lead to depression, which in turn can increase your risk of heart disease.

2. Sleeping Too Much or Too Little

Both sleeping too much and too little can increase your risk of heart disease.

According to a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, women who slept less than five hours per night had a significantly higher risk of developing heart disease than women who slept seven to eight hours per night. On the other hand, women who slept more than nine hours per night also had a higher risk of heart disease.

3. Dental Health

Poor dental health can also increase your risk of heart disease. Several studies have shown a link between gum disease and heart disease.

It’s believed that the bacteria in your mouth can enter your bloodstream and cause inflammation in your arteries, which can lead to heart disease.

4. Stressful Job

A stressful job can also increase your risk of heart disease. Jobs with high levels of demands and low levels of control have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease.

This is especially true for women, who tend to experience more job-related stress than men.

5. Air Pollution

Air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. Studies have shown that exposure to air pollution can cause inflammation in your arteries, which can lead to heart disease.

Women who live in areas with high levels of air pollution may be at an increased risk of heart disease.

6. Depression

Depression is a risk factor for heart disease. Women are twice as likely as men to experience depression, and it’s estimated that one in five women will experience depression at some point in their lives.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of depression, it’s important to talk to your doctor about treatment options.

7. Low Vitamin D Levels

Low vitamin D levels have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. This is especially true for women. Vitamin D helps to protect your heart by reducing inflammation and improving the function of your blood vessels.

Talk to your doctor about whether you need to take a vitamin D supplement.

8. Sitting Too Much

Sitting for too long can increase your risk of heart disease. According to a study published in Circulation, women who sat for more than 10 hours per day had an increased risk of heart disease compared to women who sat for less than five hours per day.

Make sure to take regular breaks throughout the day to stand up and move around.

9. Anemia

Anemia, which is a condition where you don’t have enough red blood cells, can increase your risk of heart disease. Anemia causes your heart to work harder to pump blood throughout your body.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of anemia, like fatigue or shortness of breath, talk to your doctor about treatment options.

10. Menopause

Menopause is a risk factor for heart disease. After menopause, women are at a higher risk of developing heart disease because their estrogen levels decrease.

Estrogen helps to protect your heart, so this decrease can put you at an increased risk of heart disease.

11. Pregnancy Complications

Complications during pregnancy, like preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, can increase your risk of heart disease later in life. This is especially true if you’ve had multiple pregnancies with complications.

It’s important to talk to your doctor about your pregnancy history and any potential risks for heart disease.

While these risk factors may be surprising, it’s important to be aware of them and take steps to reduce your risk of heart disease.

This includes maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine, managing stress levels, and talking to your doctor about any potential risk factors.