5 heart health myths busted: What you need to know for a stronger heart

Taking care of our hearts assumes more importance these days,  thanks to our lifestyle that adds extra strain on them. 

Taking care of your heart isn’t only about avoiding disease. It’s about protecting the quality of life, independence, and longevity of the individual. 

Making small daily choices like preferring to eat balanced meals, staying active, managing stress, and going for checkups, one can make a big difference in improving their health and keeping the heart safe. 

Here are 5 myths about heart health that need to be busted. 

1. Myth: Heart disease affects only the elderly

Fact: Heart disease is no longer an elderly disease. Younger adults are increasingly at risk due to lifestyle, obesity, hypertension, etc. Harvard Medical School, in an article, stated that risk factors like hypertension, diabetes, and obesity are increasing among young adults, with poor control over these factors. These factors increased the risk of heart disease among the youth. 

2. Myth: Chest pain is the only sign of a heart problem

Fact: There are many atypical or less obvious symptoms. The article 'Addressing the Bias in Cardiovascular Care: Missed & Delayed Diagnosis of Cardiovascular Disease in Women' explains how women often present with non-classic symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, etc, which leads to misdiagnosis or delay

3. Myth: Taking medicine is enough to control heart problems

Fact: Medication helps, but lifestyle interventions remain critical. Many cardiologists and experts in the field suggest better regulation of diet and physical activity apart from taking medicines. 

4. Myth: If you don’t have high blood pressure or diabetes, your heart is fine

Fact: You can still be at risk from cholesterol, smoking, inflammation, etc. CDC mentions diabetes,  obesity, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol use as some of the reasons for adding strain to the heart. 

5. Myth: Heart attacks are sudden and impossible to predict

Fact: Many warning signs and tests can identify risk early. By getting regular checkups done and identifying the causes and risks with the help of medical practitioners, one can identify risks early and act accordingly. 

For more information, consult an expert.