An American doctor has highlighted five such habits that people should pay attention to, ranging from smoking and unhealthy eating to physical inactivity, loneliness and chronic stress.

Dr Jeremy London, a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon with 25 years of experience, has shared five lessons he says he has learned after performing more than 8,000 heart surgeries during his career.

In a social media post, London highlighted the following five practices:

Smoking

London warned against all forms of smoking and vaping, including cigarettes, vapes and marijuana. He emphasised that the lungs are designed for breathing, not for exposure to harmful substances.

Ultra-processed food

The doctor urged people to reduce their consumption of ultra-processed foods and focus instead on eating more whole, minimally processed foods.

Sedentary lifestyle

According to London, regular movement is important for maintaining heart health. He encouraged people to stay active every day, noting that even a 10-minute walk after a meal can contribute to a more active lifestyle.

Loneliness

London also highlighted the importance of social connections, warning that loneliness can have consequences beyond emotional well-being and may affect overall health.

Chronic stress

Chronic stress can be easy to overlook, but London urged people not to ignore its potential impact on health and encouraged greater attention to stress management.

The doctor's message underlines the importance of making sustainable lifestyle choices to support cardiovascular health over the long term.

However, he also said: "None of this guarantees you’ll never have a heart attack or a stroke. And having one doesn’t mean you failed."