Cardiovascular diseases represent one in every of the leading causes of disability and death worldwide. Nonetheless, people know little or no about these conditions and prevent them. Listed here are essentially the most common myths and truths about heart health.

Today, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that cardiovascular diseases are liable for greater than 17 million deaths worldwide annually. Heart health is compromised by aspects reminiscent of obesity, smoking, hypercholesterolemia, and sedentary lifestyles.

Heart problems have been known since precedent days and have accompanied humankind throughout its development. This fact has conditioned the existence of various myths about heart health which have been transmitted from generation to generation.

Knowing what’s true and what isn’t is key to stopping these conditions. Listed here are 11 myths and truths about heart disease.

1. Heart disease only affects older people

Older age is a serious risk factor for the event of cardiovascular conditions, reminiscent of myocardial infarction, hypertension, and heart failure. Nonetheless, cardiomyopathies and valvular pathologies can occur at any time of life.

Similarly, it’s key to take care of a healthy lifestyle during youth to cut back the danger of those diseases later in life. On this sense, it’s unsuitable to think that it isn’t essential to handle your heart while you’re young.

2. Heart disease affects more men than women

It’s well-known that heart problems have a better incidence in men. Studies affirm that estrogen levels make it in order that the feminine sex is less exposed to those conditions during youth and maturity.

Nonetheless, in older adults, the prevalence is identical in men and ladies. That is the results of estrogen deficiency in women at menopause. Hormone substitute therapy can reduce their cardiovascular risk.

3. I can’t have hypertension if I actually have no symptoms

Hypertension is taken into account a silent killer. It often appears progressively within the body, so because it sets in, the body tries to adapt to the change. For that reason, it’s common that folks don’t experience any symptoms that make them suspect the condition.

Most cases are diagnosed in advanced stages, in consequence of the decompensation of the disease or in consequence of a fortuitous finding in a routine evaluation. On this sense, it’s crucial to evaluate the figures periodically in young people, adults, and the elderly.

4. Myth: All chest pain is a heart attack

Individuals are often alarmed once they feel any form of chest discomfort. Nonetheless, chest pain might be attributable to a wide range of causes. Such is the case with problems within the lungs, pleura, pericardium, skin, muscles, and joints.

A heart attack often presents as a squeezing pain in the middle of the chest that extends to the left shoulder and jaw. This discomfort often persists for greater than half-hour and shouldn’t be relieved by analgesics. It’s also accompanied by nausea, sweating, shortness of breath, and palpitations.

5. You’ll be able to’t have a heart attack without chest pain

That is one of the common myths about heart health. The way in which heart attacks present themselves shouldn’t be at all times the identical for everybody.

In some women, it may be subtle or uncharacteristic symptoms, reminiscent of pain within the back, neck, or arms. In the event you suspect a heart attack, don’t hesitate to hunt medical attention as soon as possible.

6. Scares and discomfort may cause a heart attack

Strong emotions and anxiety crises can precipitate a heart attack in susceptible people. In each cases, they increase blood pressure levels and the demands on the body, which increases cardiac demand and reduces oxygenation of the center.

Special care needs to be taken within the elderly and in patients who’ve suffered a heart attack before. Reducing stress levels and anger management therapies play a vital role in stopping heart attacks.

7. You’ll be able to’t do any exercise after a heart attack

Probably the most common myths about heart health is that you just shouldn’t exercise after a heart attack due to the risk of relapse. Nonetheless, research suggests that physical activity is crucial within the rehabilitation of heart patients.

Sports sessions should begin progressively with low-intensity aerobic exercise, reminiscent of walking or jogging. In this fashion, it is feasible to regulate and improve blood pressure, weight, cardiac function, and the danger of reoccurrence.

Anaerobic weight-lifting exercises aren’t really helpful. A specialist needs to be consulted about essentially the most appropriate movements..

8. Myth: Diabetes doesn’t increase your risk of heart problems

Diabetes mellitus is a condition with a high prevalence worldwide that typically overlaps with heart problems. Studies affirm that there’s a robust evolutionary relationship between having diabetes and developing arterial hypertension within the medium term.

Diabetes itself is a risk factor for heart health. It modifies vascular dynamics and the body’s needs.

9. Supplements wealthy in omega-3 are essential for heart health

Currently, multiple studies affirm that the consumption of omega-3 has vital helpful effects within the prevention of coronary pathologies. Nonetheless, the major therapeutic guidelines support obtaining this nutrient through the weight loss program and, to a lesser extent, in the shape of supplements.

Mediterranean diets, with fish because the major source of protein, are amongst the perfect options. Similarly, the consumption of fried seafood needs to be avoided and adequate intake of vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grains needs to be emphasized.

10. Individuals with heart problems should avoid eggs

Probably the most popular myths about heart health is that eggs are harmful to heart victims. The major argument is that egg yolks are wealthy in cholesterol and are related to an increased risk of heart problems.

Nonetheless, large-scale research has shown that there’s a really slight association between egg intake and heart disease. As well as, eating an egg a day helps balance the degrees of bad and good cholesterol in most individuals.

11. Myth: Coconut oil is the perfect alternative for individuals with heart conditions

Coconut oil is recognized in lots of cultures for its cardioprotective effect. That is as a consequence of the contribution of medium-chain triglycerides that increase the degrees of good cholesterol or HDL within the blood.

Nonetheless, this oil incorporates 4 times higher concentrations of saturated fats than butter. For that reason, professionals recommend other options, reminiscent of olive or canola oil.

Lifestyle changes are key to protecting your heart health

There are numerous myths about heart health. A few of them are true, while others lack research and scientific backing. Remember to seek the advice of a specialist before initiating any changes in your lifestyle habits.

Normally, eating a balanced weight loss program, exercising no less than half-hour a day, avoiding smoking, and maintaining regular check-ups with knowledgeable are the perfect habits with regards to stopping heart problems.

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