Understanding the Myths and Facts of Heart Disease

Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death globally, affecting millions of people each year. Despite medical advancements, numerous myths and misconceptions about heart diseases continue to exist and debunking these myths is required for early detection and effective management of heart diseases. 

In this guide, let us explore some of the persistent myths about heart diseases and debunk them with evidence. 

Understanding Heart-Related Diseases

Heart diseases are cardiovascular diseases that affect the heart and circulatory system.

The different types of heart diseases are

• Coronary artery disease: It causes reduced blood flow to the heart muscle due to blockage in the coronary arteries.
• Arrhythmias:  It causes the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or in an irregular, uneven pattern.
• Heart failure: The heart can not pump blood efficiently to meet the body’s requirements.
• Congenital heart defects: Structural heart problems present from birth.
• Cardiomyopathy: A disease of the heart muscle that makes the heart pump harder.
• Peripheral artery disease affects the blood flow to limbs.
• Heart valve disease: An abnormality in the heart valves.

The symptoms of heart disease may vary depending on the kind of heart disease. The common symptoms of heart disease are

• Angina
• Dizziness and fainting
• Pain in the neck and jaw
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling in ankles, feet, and legs
• Fatigue

What Are the Main Causes of Heart Diseases?

Heart disease typically occurs due to a combination of risk factors, including

• Genetics
• Unhealthy diet with high intake of saturated fats, trans fats, sodium, and sugar
• Lack of physical activity
• Excessive smoking and tobacco use
• High blood pressure and cholesterol
• Presence of co-morbidities, including diabetes and obesity
• Chronic stress

Top 10 Myths and Facts About Heart Diseases

Here are the ten common myths and misconceptions about heart disease. Debunking these myths may help in planning the best plan to treat heart disease.

Myth 1: You Will Have the Disease if It Runs in Your Family

Fact: People with a family history of heart disease are at higher risk of developing heart disease, but it does not guarantee that all people will develop heart disease if it runs in their family. 

However, you may take steps to reduce the risk, including exercising regularly, maintaining blood pressure, controlling cholesterol, eating a heart-healthy diet, managing stress, stopping smoking, and getting quality sleep, especially if heart disease runs in the family.

Myth 2: Heart Failure Means Your Heart Has Stopped Beating

Fact: Heart failure does not mean that the heart has stopped beating. It means the heart is still working, but it does not pump enough blood to the other parts of the body. It may lead to symptoms like shortness of breath, swelling in the feet and ankles, persistent coughing and wheezing. 

In contrast, the heart suddenly stops beating during cardiac arrest, causing the person to lose consciousness and stop normal breathing.

Myth 3: You Should Avoid Exercise After Having a Heart Attack

Fact: It is recommended to rest initially after having a heart attack, but complete inactivity may slow the recovery process. The patients after a heart attack are required to exercise as soon as approved by the healthcare professional. Engaging in regular, moderate exercise as part of a cardiac rehabilitation program helps strengthen heart muscle, improve circulation, manage weight and reduce stress.

Studies have shown that heart attack survivors who engage in regular physical activity and make heart-healthy changes live longer. It is preferable to consult your healthcare professional for advice on developing a physical activity plan suitable for your health needs.

Myth 4: It is Normal to Have Higher Blood Pressure When You Are Older

Fact: Blood pressure tends to rise with the increase in age as the artery walls tends to become stiff with age, making the heart pump harder. However, hypertension or higher blood pressure is not a part of normal ageing, and it may increase the risk of developing heart attack, stroke and kidney disease regardless of age. 

It is recommended to have your blood pressure checked regularly, and if it is higher, your healthcare professional may recommend measures to control it.

Myth 5: Heart Diseases Occur Only in Men

Fact: Heart disease does not occur only in men. It is also the leading cause of death in women over the age of 65, just like in men. But, the heart disease in women is often underdiagnosed as women may have subtler symptoms, including fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, or discomfort in the back, jaw, or neck that may lead to delayed treatment.

It is preferable to conduct a baseline heart examination that includes checking the cholesterol and blood pressure, irrespective of whether you are a man or a woman. 

Myth 6: You May Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease if You Are Taking Vitamins and Supplements

Fact: While some vitamins and supplements are essential for overall health, there is no strong evidence to suggest that taking them alone will significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats offers the nutrients necessary for cardiovascular health, and these supplements may be used to fill in nutrient gaps, but they should replace a healthy diet.

However, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider before taking any supplements, as they may interfere with the medications or cause side effects.

Myth 7: People With Heart Disease Should Avoid All Fats

Fact: Not all fats are bad, and avoiding fats entirely from the diet is not necessary.

A person with heart disease or who is at risk of cardiovascular disease should reduce the intake of saturated and trans fats found in butter, biscuits, bacon, and processed foods. 

However, unsaturated fats, including olive oil, nuts, seeds, avocados, and fatty fish, may be beneficial for heart health by lowering cholesterol levels.

So, people with heart diseases should switch to consuming healthy fats in moderation after consulting with a healthcare provider or a dietitian. 

Myth 8: Young People Will Not Have Any Heart Disease

Fact: Heart disease is more likely to affect people over the age of 65. However, it may also occur in people under the age of 45 years. 

The lifestyle risk factors, including obesity, smoking, physical inactivity, poor diet, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, are also becoming increasingly common among young people and contribute to early heart disease. Also, some individuals with congenital heart defects may put themselves at risk early in life. 

So, individuals need to maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat a balanced diet, avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol, and have regular heart check-ups to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and other risk factors.

Myth 9: I May Eat Whatever I Want if I Take Cholesterol-lowering Drugs

Fact: Cholesterol-lowering medications, including statins, may help manage your cholesterol levels. However, these medications work well when combined with a heart-healthy lifestyle. 

If you are taking cholesterol-lowering medications but eating foods high in saturated fats, trans fats, and excess sugar, you may still raise your cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease. 

So, it is important to combine medication with a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and other healthy habits.

Myth 10: Coughing During a Heart Attack May Save Your Life

Fact: Some studies have shown that cough-CPR, a deep, rhythmic, forceful cough for about 30-60 times per minute, can be effective during emergencies. It may assist in maintaining consciousness at the onset of lethal arrhythmias. However, this technique is sometimes used in clinical settings under medical supervision. 

However, available evidence is not conclusive whether cough CPR can help you when you are having a heart attack, especially when you are alone. If you think you are having a heart attack and are still conscious, then getting urgent medical help is vital. 

Why Heart360 Care is the Best Choice for Treating Heart Diseases?

Heart360 Care in Chennai stands out as one of the leading centres for providing the best integrated care for your heart, including preventive care, medical management, interventions, and post-care. 

Some of the features that set Heart360 Care apart are

• Holistic approach to heart care.
• Team of experienced surgeons led by Dr Nikhil, an American Board-certified cardiac surgeon
• Expertise in Robotic-assisted and minimally invasive cardiac surgery
• Quality and cutting-edge technology 
• Personalized treatment
• Proven track record
• Convenient access and multidisciplinary collaboration

With advanced medical technology, an expert team, a focus on prevention, and a patient-centred approach, Heart360 Care offers comprehensive care for those seeking to manage or prevent heart disease in Chennai. If you have any queries regarding heart diseases, feel free to book a consultation with Heart360 Care for expert guidance!

Conclusion

Heart disease may affect anyone irrespective of age, and understanding the myths and misconceptions about heart disease will help in seeking timely treatment or making lifestyle changes. It is necessary to seek a healthcare professional if you are experiencing any symptoms related to heart disease, including chest pain, shortness of breath, or unexplained fatigue.

Frequently Asked Questions