10 Myths about Heart Disease
Many common people are unaware about various heart conditions and their causes. There are even few myths or misconceptions about the risk factors of heart disease that could create unawareness among them. Many believe that heart disease only strikes the elderly people or cholesterol patients who indulge in fried foods, but the reality is quite different. Heart disease can affect every individual of all age including men, women and children, also the people who maintain a healthy diet.
Relying on these misconceptions can have dangerous effects on your heart health. In fact, nowadays heart attack takes more lives in India than any other disease. However, you can enhance your knowledge about heart health by distinguishing few facts from fiction. Let’s clarify some common myths so you can plan the best treatment for your heart health.
Myth 1: Majority of older people are at risk of heart disease.
Fact: The way you live your life now will affect the risk in future. Heart disease can affect anyone including young adults, middle-aged and even children. Unhealthy lifestyle, type-2 diabetes, cholesterol, obesity, and genetic factors can majorly develop heart disease at any age.
Myth 2: Only men are known to develop heart disease.
Fact: Heart disease has been long associated with men where it is often mistakenly perceived as a “man’s disease”. Heart disease can affect both the gender. Back pain, nausea, breathlessness or fatigue, women may experience almost no symptoms or these warning signs of heart disease, as compared to men. Unfortunately, due to lack of awareness, women are under diagnosed and remain untreated, resulting in heart illness. Also PCOD/PCOS, diabetes, blood pressure, menopause and hypertension has been recognized to increase the risk of heart disease.
Myth 3: Heart disease is primarily a genetic condition.
Fact: There are various heart disorders that can be inherited that may cause heart disease. The probability of getting heart disease increases through unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, stress, smoking, and obesity. Regardless of genetic aspect, adapting healthy and positive lifestyle choices can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
Myth 4: Heart disease is always included by noticeable symptoms.
Fact: Heart disease can be silent and may not show any symptoms until you get a heart attack or any other major cardiovascular event occurs. You must detect and prevent early with regular diagnostic tests, check-ups, monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and bring change in your diet and lifestyle.
Myth 5: Heart disease is inevitable if it runs in your family.
Fact: You can inherit certain heart disease if you have a family history, but it depends on the number of your affected relatives and the certain age they have developed the condition. But this doesn’t mean you’ll get the heart disease. You can reduce this risk with proper guidance and lifestyle changes that includes balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoid smoking or intake of tobacco.
Myth 6: Only High cholesterol can cause Heart disease.
Fact: High cholesterol level can definitely cause heart disease and create blockage in the arteries. It is advised to regularly check the levels. But it is not the sole factor to get heart disease. Obesity, intake of oily food, high blood pressure, and diabetes alomg with high cholesterol can increase the chances of developing cardiovascular disease.
Myth 7: Heart disease is only caused by physical factors.
Fact: Psychological factors, in combination with physical risk factors, also generate the risk of cardiac disease. Long-term stress or anxiety can increase your blood pressure levels, heart rate and release stress hormones. This can create damage to the blood arteries and vessels or even lead to a sudden heart attack. Hence, maintaining your mental health and managing stress is important to promote your heart well-being. Opt for stress relief activities such as yoga, exercise or meditation. Maintain your heart health by practicing self-care and positive lifestyle.
Myth 8: Taking vitamins and supplements can prevent heart disease.
Fact: Certain vitamins and supplements have failed to confirm the prevention or treatment of heart disease. Our body absorbs nutrition in the best form of food. Maintain a healthy weight and follow a nutritious diet to prevent any heart disease.
Myth 9: Heart disease is cured after a bypass surgery or stent placement.
Fact: Invasive surgeries or interventional procedures can do wonders by alleviating the symptoms and improve the blood flow to the heart, but not completely treat your heart condition. It is important to keep regular diagnosis with the cardiologist, make lifestyle modifications, follow prescribed medications and take appropriate medical care to optimize your heart health and minimize the chances of future complications.
Myth 10: Heart disease is not preventable.
Fact: Majority of people can fight any heart disease by consult the cardiologist, taking early diagnostic tests, medications, cardiac procedures and even join rehabilitation programs to maintain a healthy weight, manage stress, and control conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
Always consult with cardiac professionals for personalized advice and guidance on avoiding the risk factors and maintaining a healthy heart. Dr Rishi Bhargava, a leading Interventional Cardiologist in Navi Mumbai educates and empowers individuals to take charge of their heart health. As the best heart doctor in Navi Mumbai, Dr Rishi Bhargava provides comprehensive cardiovascular evaluations, risk assessment, early detection of heart disease, interventional procedures and rehabilitation programs to ensure optimal heart health. If you are looking for an experienced cardiologist in Kharghar, you can visit Medwin Heart Care Clinic, the best diagnostic center and heart clinic in Navi Mumbai recognized for its excellence in cardiac care.
