The five essential things we should all do to avoid premature death, according to a cardiologist

Cardiologists insist that exercise and a healthy diet are essential for a healthy life, but there are more factors at play.

This is what Dr. Dmitry Yaranov, a cardiologist based in Memphis, USA, argues in a post on his Instagram account that has gone viral.

According to Yaranov, after treating thousands of patients with heart failure, "these are the things I wish more people knew before it was too late."

"This is what's really affecting your heart, and no one talks about it," says Yaranov. "Cardiovascular health isn't just about exercise and salads. It's about sleep, stress, air, oral health, and even your gut ," the cardiologist added.

Sleeping less than eight hours a night can increase the risk of heart failure, stroke, or sudden death, a doctor warns.

Blood pressure usually drops during sleep, but lack of sleep disrupts this and causes sustained high blood pressure , a key factor in heart disease.

Yaranov also points out that daily exposure to air pollution (inhaling exhaust fumes every day) can harden arteries, leading to plaque buildup and restricted flow.

The doctor also explains that constantly experiencing stress can increase levels of cortisol (the body's main stress hormone), which, in excess, triggers high blood pressure and inflammation that damages blood vessels.

Oral health is another unlikely factor that can cause heart problems. Poor dental care can lead to gum disease, and the associated inflammation increases the risk of a heart attack.

Finally, Yaranov points out in the video that people should also focus more on improving their gut health, as microbiomes help regulate blood pressure and cholesterol.