5 Dangerous Myths about Heart Disease

Many of us know a thing or two about heart disease, but how much of it is true? You may believe in outdated myths about heart disease that increase your risk.

Interestingly, there’s always some truth in common myths, and unless you look into research keenly, you may never find out the truth. Luckily, you don’t have to suffer the agony of going through research papers for hours. You can discover eye-opening facts about heart disease in the next five minutes.

Here are common myths about heart disease and how you can avoid falling victim to them.

MYTH #1: VITAMINS AND SUPPLEMENTS LOWER YOUR RISK OF HEART DISEASE.

Vitamins and antioxidants may help your body function optimally, but there’s no evidence that they lower heart disease risk. In this study, researchers found that antioxidant and vitamin supplements didn’t lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Another study concluded that there was insufficient evidence to declare that vitamin D supplementation reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, despite observational studies showing that low vitamin D increases the risk of heart disease. 

What you should do: Instead of using supplements to improve heart health, increase your intake of unprocessed, plant-based foods. Eat a wide variety of nutritious foods of every color.

MYTH #2: THE SIGNS OF A HEART ATTACK ARE OBVIOUS.

Sometimes the signs of a heart attack can be obvious, like sudden and disabling chest pain, sweating or soreness in the left arm.

Other times, however, the signs are subtle, and you may unknowingly suffer a heart attack. Some people even mistake a heart attack for indigestion.

What you should do: Educate yourself about the signs of “silent” heart attacks. Don’t ignore less classic symptoms such as fatigue, a heartburn sensation, weakness, shortness of breath, and so on.

MYTH #3: LAY OFF EXERCISE, IF YOU HAVE HEART DISEASE.

Being inactive when you have heart disease can have scary effects. It can lead to blood clots in your legs and lower your physical performance.

Exercise will actually reduce the possibility of suffering a heart attack again. It’ll strengthen your heart, lower blood pressure and improve circulation.

What you should do: Get advice from your doctor about the exercises you should do and how often.

MYTH #4: YOU CAN‘T PREVENT HEREDITARY HEART DISEASE.

Do you feel like you’re doomed, because your family has a history of heart disease? Even though you have a higher risk, you can dramatically reduce your risk by maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

What you should do: First, stay active, and try to walk more steps every day. You should also maintain a heart-healthy diet and stop smoking.

MYTH #5:  HEART DISEASE ONLY AFFECTS WOMEN AFTER MENOPAUSE.

For many years, people assumed that heart disease was a man’s problem. Now we know that heart disease is the leading cause of death for women over 65.

However, this doesn’t mean younger women are in the clear. The truth is women of all ages can be at risk for heart disease.

What you should do: Maintain healthy lifestyle choices, no matter your age. Note that younger women have a higher risk during their first pregnancy.

If you read this far, you know more about heart disease than the general public. Now, start implementing the advice in this article to keep your heart healthy.