15 Myths about Heart Disease
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of mortality in the world. According to the British Heart Foundation, cardiovascular disease (CD) is the main cause of death in England. In 2010, there were 147,000 deaths due to CD, which constitute nearly a third of all deaths. In Australia, ischaemic heart disease has been the major cause of death since 2000 although the number of incidents has decreased (Australian Bureau of Statistics).
Whilst having heart disease poses a great threat to your health and well-being, it is absolutely preventable. Protecting your heart from life-threatening diseases is possible if you are equipped with the right knowledge. Perhaps you have heard many beliefs about heart disease. But how real are they? Let’s tackle the most popular myths about heart disease and uncover the truth behind them.
Only a small percentage of British people suffer from heart disease.
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is Britain’s biggest killer, destroying the lives of 82,000 people each year. It is estimated that 2.7 million people have heart disease and over 2 million have angina (chest pain) – the most common symptom of heart disease (National Health Service).
You’re too young to have a heart disease.
Just because heart disease is more often diagnosed in older people doesn’t mean young individuals are no longer at risk of it. Plaque can start accumulating in the arteries during childhood and adolescence, which may lead to clogged arteries, and ultimately, to heart disease. Even young people can develop heart problems, just as they can develop diabetes and cancer.
During a heart attack, your heart stops beating.
Only death could stop the heart from beating. During a heart attack though, the supply of blood to the heart tissue is blocked which leads to the death of tissues. Because of the damaged tissues, the heart finds it difficult to beat normally. When the heart suddenly stops functioning, it’s called ‘cardiac arrest’, which is not the same with heart attack.
Men are more at risk of heart disease.
It may appear that heart disease affects more men than women because they generally develop the disease at a younger age. On the other hand, women tend to catch up after menopause. According to the BHF, 600,000 men and 600,000 women have had a stroke. This means everyone, regardless of age and gender, is at risk of heart disease.
More women are diagnosed with breast cancer than heart disease.
Heart disease kills more women than breast cancer does. Researchers at the University of Colorado found that a large number of older women diagnosed with breast cancer died from something other than their cancer, heart disease being the leading cause of death.
If you think you’re having a heart attack, just lie down and see if you feel better.
Heart attack can happen so fast and may leave you suffering from temporary or permanent complications, such as paralysis, loss of speech and mobility, and brain damage. Heart attack is a fatal disease that can lead to death. Don’t ignore the symptoms of heart attack and call a health professional immediately.
Chest pain is the only symptom to be aware of.
The major sign of heart attack is chest pain. However, it may also come with other symptoms, such as neck and back pain, shortness of breath, nausea, fatigue, sweating, lack of energy, and upper body discomfort.
Broken heart syndrome is not something you should worry about.
This condition refers to a type of heart problem that is often brought by emotional distress. Persistent stress, traumatic events, and mental illness often trigger the onset of broken heart syndrome. The surge in stress hormones (such as cortisol and adrenaline) puts a strain on the heart muscles which make them unable to pump properly. Its symptoms are similar to heart attack and should be given adequate attention too.
Sex is discouraged after heart attack.
There is no reason for heart attack survivors to resume sexual activity as long as they are ready for it. Nonetheless, it is always advisable to seek advice from a doctor if you have concerns.
The common risk factor for heart attack is high blood pressure.
Siting for more than three hours a day can already put you at risk of health problems, including heart disease. Although high blood pressure often predicts the onset of heart disease, other risk factors to consider are diet, lack of exercise, and poor lifestyle. Inactivity, specifically, is a major risk factor. Inactive individuals have higher cholesterol and stress levels, high blood pressure, and are more likely to be overweight.
Regular consumption of red wine is going to save you from heart disease.
Red wine contains revestrol, a natural compound found in grapes which have been scientifically proven to promote heart health. However, the amount of wine you consume matters tremendously. The American Heart Association recommends drinking no more than two glasses of red wine a day to reap its heart healing benefits.
The more aspirin you take, the more protected your heart is.
You should strictly follow the dosage instruction provided to you by your GP. One daily low dose of aspirin has been clinically proven to lower the risk of heart attack in those who have heart problems, as well as those who have already suffered from heart attack. But remember, just like medications, aspiring also come with health risks. You may need a higher dose of aspirin, but it’s your doctor who will tell you so.
Diet plays a little role in reducing the risk of heart disease.
Never underestimate the role of diet in your heart health. In 2009, a study of American women revealed that those who observe Mediterranean diet had a 20 per cent reduction in heart disease as compared to women whose diets least resemble it. Mediterranean diet is often considered the healthiest diet in the world. It is also linked to lower risks of high blood pressure and cholesterol. This diet features a wide variety of healthy foods, with large amounts of fruits and vegetables, potatoes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, etc.
Being thin, eating right and exercising will free you from heart disease.
Whilst being lean and observing healthy lifestyle could lower your risk of developing heart disease, they are not enough. In a survey involving American adults, doctors found that 56.6 per cent of patients who had heart disease engaged in moderate to vigorous physical activity at least three times per week and 38.6 per cent had normal weight. It is also important to see your doctor regularly to ensure that you do not get the disease.
Sodium does have little role in increasing the risk of heart disease.
Too much salt can raise your high blood pressure. The British Heart Foundation recommends eating no more than one teaspoon of salt every day to keep heart disease at bay. This includes the salt that is already present in processed foods you eat like bread and cereal, and the salt you add when cooking.
Don’t let these myths take you closer to the fatal consequences of heart disease. Share this information to your loved ones so they, too, can be protected!
Can you suggest natural techniques to lower the risk of heart disease, including high blood pressure? Share your ideas by posting a comment below.
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