Heart attacks, also known as myocardial infarctions, are the leading cause of death worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, 17.9 million people die each year from cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes.

The risk factors for heart attacks include poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, high blood pressure, and diabetes. However, there are also some strange circumstances that increase infarction risk. In this article, we will explore ten of these factors that may surprise you.

1. Cold Temperatures

Studies have shown that cold temperatures can increase the risk of heart attacks. This is because cold temperatures can cause the blood vessels to constrict, which can lead to reduced blood flow to the heart.

Additionally, cold temperatures can increase blood pressure and heart rate, which can also increase the risk of heart attacks.

2. Natural Disasters

Natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and tornadoes can increase the risk of heart attacks.

This is because natural disasters can cause extreme stress, which can lead to an increase in the production of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones can cause the heart to beat faster and harder, which can lead to an increased risk of heart attacks.

3. Air Pollution

Air pollution is a major risk factor for heart attacks. This is because air pollution can cause inflammation in the body, which can lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Additionally, air pollution can cause the blood to become thicker, which can increase the risk of blood clots.

4. Traffic Jams

Sitting in traffic can increase the risk of heart attacks. This is because sitting for long periods of time can cause blood to pool in the legs, which can lead to blood clots.

Additionally, the stress of sitting in traffic can cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, which can also increase the risk of heart attacks.

5. Anger

Intense anger or emotional upset can increase the risk of heart attacks. This is because anger can cause an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and the production of stress hormones.

Additionally, anger can cause the blood vessels to constrict, which can lead to reduced blood flow to the heart.

6. Lack of Sleep

A lack of sleep can increase the risk of heart attacks. This is because a lack of sleep can cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate.

Additionally, a lack of sleep can cause an increase in the production of stress hormones, which can also increase the risk of heart attacks.

7. Extreme Exercise

While exercise is generally good for the heart, extreme exercise can increase the risk of heart attacks. This is because extreme exercise can cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure.

Additionally, extreme exercise can cause the blood vessels to constrict, which can lead to reduced blood flow to the heart.

8. Binge Drinking

Binge drinking, which is defined as consuming a large amount of alcohol in a short period of time, can increase the risk of heart attacks. This is because binge drinking can cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate.

Additionally, binge drinking can cause an increase in the production of stress hormones, which can also increase the risk of heart attacks.

9. Cocaine Use

The use of cocaine can increase the risk of heart attacks. This is because cocaine can cause an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and the production of stress hormones.

Additionally, cocaine can cause the blood vessels to constrict, which can lead to reduced blood flow to the heart.

10. Flu-Like Illnesses

Flu-like illnesses such as the flu or pneumonia can increase the risk of heart attacks. This is because these illnesses can cause an increase in inflammation in the body, which can lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Additionally, these illnesses can cause an increase in the production of stress hormones, which can also increase the risk of heart attacks.