Heart disease is an umbrella term for a range of conditions targeting the heart. This diagnosis is considered a major killer globally, responsible for more than 160,000 deaths in the UK alone.
A study warns that soil pollution could be triggering the culprit. While air pollution might be a better-known problem, making the headlines in recent years, soil pollution also poses a real risk to your health.
According to research, published in Cardiovascular Research, a journal of the European Society of Cardiology, pesticides and heavy metals in soil may have "detrimental effects" on the cardiovascular system.
Author Professor Thomas Münzel said: "Soil contamination is a less visible danger to human health than dirty air. "But evidence is mounting that pollutants in soil may damage cardiovascular health through a number of mechanisms including inflammation and disrupting the body's natural clock. "READ MORE: Cancer warning: Popular UK drink can cause 'several types' of cancer - 'strong agreement'LinkPollution just like heart disease represents a major killer, with pollution of air, water and soil being responsible for at least nine million deaths each year.