Heart Disease Myths & Facts_

Posted by Dr. Mangesh Danej on December 2nd, 2020

Heart disease is one of the leading reasons for death in humans nowadays. By changing your lifestyle and diet habits, we can stop it at least to some amount.

There are several misunderstandings about heart disease. Also, beliefs in these old opinions can improve the risk. Dr. Mangesh Danej is the best Cardiologist in Pune had given some basic knowledge about heart disease.

Some Basic Myths and Facts about Heart Disease

Myth No. 1: Old age people suffer from heart disease.

Fact: One’s lifestyle determines the risk of heart problems. A harmful lifestyle can cause the increase of plaque in arteries that later leads to blocked arteries. Now that obesity, diabetes, and other risk factors are becoming normal in younger age groups. It is not only popular and limited to senior citizens. Many times heart problems extend quietly, even in those who are fit. The suggestion is to undergo health check-ups regularly and be aware of the signs and symptoms of heart disorder.

Myth No. 2: Heart Disease affects men more than women

Fact: It is a misinterpretation that heart disorder is more common among men rather than women. Usually, people think that women’s greatest health risk is cancer; however, heart disease is in number one in both men and women. Women before menopause are shielded by estrogen but later the risk becomes higher or less equal. Whether you are a man or woman, get your baseline heart testing done which involves checking your cholesterol, blood pressure, ECG, etc. This will assure the risk parameters are under control or not.

Myth No. 3: Fats are bad for your heart

Fact: Fats are macronutrients and various kinds of fats are found in our meals. Not all of them are bad for health.

1. Trans Fats: Trans fats are the worst among all fats. Trans fats are usually found in many baked and processed foods and it improves our harmful LDL cholesterol levels. Trans fats are also responsible for heart problems, stroke, diabetes, etc.

2. Saturated Fats: Saturated fats are found in red meat, butter, coconut oil, etc. Saturated fat develops your good cholesterol (HDL) and also improves the level of bad cholesterol (LDL). Hence, people with some health problems should limit the intake of saturated fat and discuss with the doctor.

3. Polyunsaturated Fats: Polyunsaturated fats decrease your LDL levels. Sunflower oil, flaxseeds, salmon fish are a few samples of polyunsaturated fats.

4. Monounsaturated Fats: Monounsaturated fats are good fats found in olive oil, avocados, peanut oil, etc. Substituting saturated and trans fats with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats will support you in decreasing your LDL levels.

Myth No. 4: Heart disease is genetic, so I can’t do anything to stop it

Fact: In today’s hectic life even people who do not have a history of heart disease are diagnosed with it. However, when you have a family record of heart disorder you are more at risk. But you can always take action to decrease the risk. Some actions require to be initiated by all to bypass heart disease like not smoking or drinking alcohol, exercising regularly, controlling sugar and cholesterol levels, and going for preventive health check-ups.

Myth No. 5: I am taking cholesterol-lowering medicines, so I can eat anything

Fact: Medicines that reduce the cholesterol level give a false sense of security when it comes to food choices that will undo any cholesterol overload, regardless of what you eat. Even while you are on cholesterol remedies, you have to follow what you are eating. Follow your diet plan as suggested by your doctor, so that your medicine can do their job.

Myth No. 6: I can minimize the risk of heart disease by taking vitamins and supplements

Fact: Multi-vitamins and minerals serve as nutritional aids and not as a means of stopping mild illnesses like heart disease. They cannot stop the improvement of heart disease if you don’t control your risk factors for heart disease like eating unhealthy food, obesity, smoking, etc. Though, it is very important to take your prescribed medication, changing your lifestyle is critical.

Myth No. 7: If I have a heart problem, I cannot exercise anymore

Fact: Daily exercise is important, particularly if you are suffering from heart disease. Regular exercise increases your heart muscles, manages your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. To assure which exercise is reliable for you, we recommend speaking to your doctor before the start. You can also discuss a physical therapist for developing a stable exercise plan. It is also essential to pay attention to the warning signs like chest pain, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, nausea, etc.

Myth No. 8: I know if I have high blood pressure

Fact: High blood pressure is a silent killer, you may not even realize that you are having it. The only one method to know that you are having high blood pressure is by measuring it. In the case of very high blood pressure, you might feel severe headache, chest pain, fatigue, etc. Untreated hypertension can lead to dangerous health problems including stroke, heart disease, kidney failure, etc.

Myth No. 9: Heart failure means that my heart will prevent beating

Fact: The heart stops beating during cardiac arrest. However, in the situation of heart failure, the heart keeps working but fails to pump sufficient blood. Heart failure can occur with shortness of breath, swelling in the feet and ankles, persistent coughing, and wheezing. 

Myth No. 10: Stenting is safer than bypass surgery

Fact: Stenting is no doubt small invasive than bypass operation and one could recover quicker. Coronary artery bypass grafting is important surgery and when done by an expert cardiac surgeon, the risks are low. It is safe. Your surgeon will be the best judge to decide the best proper treatment option for you.