Heart disease is the number one cause of death worldwide in both men and women. In fact, nearly 18 million deaths each year are due to heart disease.1 Despite just how common a health concern it is, many people are still unaware of the facts around heart disease. And unfortunately, this type of misinformation can encourage lifestyles that are more harmful than helpful to cardiovascular health. Let’s take a look at some of the most common heart disease myths (and finally set the record straight).
Myth #1: Heart disease only impacts adults
False. While it’s true that heart disease is most common in older adults, it can affect people of all ages, including children and young adults.2 In fact, there are certain types of heart disease, such as congenital heart defects, that are present from the time of birth.
Myth #2: Heart disease only impacts men
Seeing as heart disease kills more women in the United States than anything else, this simply isn’t true. Although heart disease is often seen as a "man's disease," it affects women just as much.3 However, women often experience different symptoms than men, making it harder to spot without proper awareness.
Myth #3: Heart disease is always accompanied by chest pain
Wrong! Chest pain is a common symptom of heart disease, that’s true. However, it's certainly not the only one. Other less well-known symptoms can include shortness of breath, pain in your neck, jaw or throat, or coldness in your legs and arms.4
Myth #4: Heart disease only impacts the heart
Wrong again! While it’s pretty obvious that the area primarily affected by this condition is the heart, we know that the entire human body is interconnected. Because of this, the effects of heart disease can have a ripple effect throughout the body, impacting other systems.5 For example, those with heart disease also wind up with a higher risk of other health conditions like stroke and kidney disease.
Myth #5: You can tell if you’re at risk for heart disease based on cholesterol levels
Not quite. While it’s true that high cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease, it's not the only one. There are plenty of other risk factors that can also indicate being at risk, including high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and a family history of heart disease.6 And there are also folks with idea cholesterol levels who could be at risk for heart disease. (This is why it’s so important to regularly visit your doctor.)
Myth #6: Heart disease is only caused by poor diet and lack of exercise
While a poor diet and lack of exercise can absolutely contribute to the development of heart disease, there are plenty of other factors that can also fuel this condition. Some examples of these include genetics, age, and other underlying health conditions.
Myth #7: Heart disease is unpreventable
It’s pretty well known that there are certain risk factors themselves that are unavoidable, like genetics and age. However, there’s plenty you can do to better reduce your risk of developing heart disease, even in the face of these risk factors.7 By intentionally creating a lifestyle that’s centered around a heart healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management, good quality sleep, and abstinence from smoking, you can help to prevent this disease.
Myth #8: Heart disease is untreatable
Let’s get it straight: There is no cure for heart disease. However, it is treatable.8 Treatments can include lifestyle changes, medications, and certain medical procedures. Of course, these should always be discussed with a doctor.
Using Cardiogram to Prevent Heart Disease
Cardiogram is a great tool for helping to prevent heart disease. By using the Share with Doctor feature, you give yourself and your healthcare practice the upper hand by seeing the bigger picture of your heart health.
When you Create Tags and Apply Symptoms, you’re also able to spot any potential signs of heart disease more easily and quickly.
Also, be sure you’re taking advantage of the Habits section to stick to a lifestyle that will benefit your heart health. If you’re not sure of which area to focus on first, look to your Top Recommendation and SmartMetrics as your guide.
Overall, heart disease is a complex condition, one that’s often misunderstood. However, by increasing our awareness and using tools like Cardiogram, we can create a life that’s more conducive for optimal heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease.
References:
- https://www.who.int/health-topics/cardiovascular-diseases#tab=tab_1
- https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/any_age.htm#:~:text=Heart%20disease—and%20the%20conditions,heart%20disease%20earlier%20in%20life.
- https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/women.htm#:~:text=Over%2060%20million%20women%20(44,some%20form%20of%20heart%20disease.&text=Heart%20disease%20is%20the%20leading,in%20every%205%20female%20deaths.
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20353118#:~:text=Chest%20pain%2C%20chest%20tightness%2C%20chest,those%20body%20areas%20are%20narrowed
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cardiovascular-disease/#:~:text=It%27s%20usually%20associated%20with%20a,%2C%20heart%2C%20kidneys%20and%20eyes.
- https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/risk_factors.htm
- https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/prevention.htm#:~:text=Get%20regular%20physical%20activity%20to,heart%20disease%20and%20heart%20attack.
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronary-heart-disease/#:~:text=Coronary%20heart%20disease%20cannot%20be,medicines