Most of us know that eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy body weight and quitting smoking are all factors that can significantly decrease our risk of heart disease.

However, there are five important things you may not be aware of that can also significantly lower heart disease risk:

1. Statins may speed up the progression of heart disease.

A 2012 study showed a 52% increase in the prevalence and severity of calcified coronary plaque in individuals taking statins, who had no known history of coronary artery disease, compared to a control group not on statin medication.

Another study from last year showed similar results, but specifically looked at individuals with diabetes. Type II diabetics who frequently take statin medications had significantly higher amounts of calcification in their arteries compared to diabetics who take statins less frequently.

Therefore, statins seem to accelerate coronary artery calcification in both individuals with diabetes and in healthy individuals. This is important because calcification or plaque in the arteries eventually builds up over time creating a blockage which may cause a heart attack or stroke, not to mention the fact that statins are linked to an increased risk of type II diabetes, which is itself an independent risk factor for heart disease.

2. Vitamin D deficiency is a major risk factor for heart disease.

People with the lowest vitamin D levels were found to have a 378% greater risk of dying from heart disease. Other studies have shown that the lower an individual’s vitamin D level, the greater the risk of stroke.

Optimal vitamin D status seems to offer a protective effect for heart disease because vitamin D increases the body’s natural anti-inflammatory cytokines and suppresses calcification in the vascular system. So it’s a good idea to have your vitamin D levels checked via the vitamin D 25-hydroxy blood test.

3. Excess iron increases your risk of heart disease.

Having enough iron in your body is important, but too much can cause immense problems. Excess iron causes oxidative stress. Oxidation causes dangerous free radicals to form, which can damage cells and tissues, as well as the inner lining of your blood vessels.

Check for excess iron by having a simple blood test called a serum ferritin test.  Increased ferritin levels are associated with the presence of an early marker for atherosclerosis. This test should be part of all preventive health screenings.

4. Salt is essential to regulate blood pressure.

Scientific research has failed to show that low-salt diets reduce the rates of death from heart disease. In fact, in some studies low salt diets have been shown to increase the risk of death from heart disease.

It’s important to note that not all salt is created equal. Natural, unrefined salt helps to regulate blood pressure. Himalayan and Celtic sea salt are good options.

Health concerns result from an imbalance in the ratio of potassium to sodium in our diet, most often caused by eating too many processed foods. Processed foods are notorious for being very high in sodium and low in potassium.

Too much sodium along with too little potassium can lead to high blood pressure and heart disease. You can avoid this imbalance by eating a whole foods diet, free of processed foods.

5. Saturated fats do not clog your arteries and are essential to good health.

Low-fat diets are unfortunately still recommended due to the false belief that saturated fats “clog” arteries. Scientific evidence simply does not support that claim. In fact, when the components of arterial plaques were studied they were found to consist mostly of polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Saturated fats lower lipoprotein (a), a substance in the blood that raises one’s risk of heart disease. They are the preferred food for the heart and are also needed for the proper utilization of essential fatty acids by the body.

Similar to the case of salt, it’s important to stress that the types of fats are important. Processed foods that contain hydrogenated fats, trans-fats and polyunsaturated oils should be avoided.  Instead use extra virgin olive oil, unrefined flax seed oil, coconut oil, organic eggs, grass-fed meats, and organic butter from grass-fed cows.

Heart disease is one of the easier diseases to prevent and avoid since dietary and lifestyle changes can make such a difference. Unfortunately, often there are no warning signs. Knowing and addressing your risk factors, and keeping the above five factors in mind, is essential.

Candice Esposito, aka Sault Naturopath, is a naturopathic doctor and director of Algoma Natural Healing Clinic located in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Candice helps people with chronic health conditions like depression, hormone imbalances, obesity and fatigue, overcome these concerns using gentle, effective natural therapies. Learn what is a naturopathic doctor and access other articles written by Dr. Esposito.