Common Misconceptions About Heart Health
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in America. It’s no surprise that just about everyone has an opinion on how it can be prevented. As a result, there’s a lot of information circulating out there, and not all of it is accurate. Effective prevention begins with knowing what advice to take to heart. Consider these common misconceptions about heart health:
Misconception 1: The main symptom is chest pain
Commonly depicted on TV with a person dramatically clutching his or her chest, a heart attack can actually show up in a variety of ways. Some people experience nausea, vomiting, sweating, lightheadedness, indigestion, jaw pain, or shoulder discomfort – but no chest pain or pressure.
Misconception #2: Men need to be more vigilant than women
It’s true that cardiovascular disease disproportionately affects men. However, it is still the leading cause of death among both men and women in the U.S.
Misconception #3: A low-fat diet is best
Years ago, many experts believed that dietary fat was largely responsible for heart disease. But, researchers have since discovered that fat has many benefits, such as creating a sensation of fullness that prevents overeating and aiding in the absorption of essential vitamins. Plus, not all fats are created equal. Some, such as those found in fish, nuts, and avocados are actually heart-healthy. The best approach is to consume a diet that is low in animal sources of protein and fat and high in fruits and vegetables.
Misconception #4: A “bad” heart can be “fixed” with medicine
Certain prescription medications can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol. However, there is no magic pill. Without healthy lifestyle practices, such as exercising regularly and consuming a nutritious diet, the beneficial effects of medication can only go so far.
Misconception #5: An aspirin a day will keep heart disease away
At one time, men were routinely given this advice upon reaching a certain age. But, recent research has cast doubt on the effectiveness of aspirin taken as a preventive measure, and its use in this manner should be discussed with a physician.
Misconception #6: A few extra pounds is nothing to worry about
It’s true that a higher body weight directly correlates to an increased risk of heart disease. But, any excess body weight – and where it is carried – counts. For instance, stomach fat is linked to high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and high levels of triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood), all of which are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Misconception #7: Only old people need to worry about heart attacks
Age is one of the biggest risk factors for both heart attacks and strokes. However, the main reason is that heart disease often takes years to develop. Therefore, it is never too soon to adopt heart-healthy habits.
Misconception #8: Long-time smokers needn’t bother quitting because the damage is already done
There’s no question that smoking damages the heart and blood vessels. The good news is that the damage is rapidly repaired when a smoker quits. Within a year of becoming cigarette-free, the risk of having a heart attack drops dramatically, and within five years, most smokers lower their stroke risk to nearly that of a nonsmoker.
The bottom line is that heart disease is often preventable. Toward that end, the best advice is to stay reasonably active and eat a healthy diet. If you have questions about something you’ve heard, you are welcome to contact or visit a physician at South Tampa Immediate Care in Tampa, FL.
