Heart Health Myths & How to Recognise Warning Signs

Your heart pumps blood throughout the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues while removing waste products. When you don’t take care of your heart health, it impacts your entire body. That’s why heart health is a critical aspect of overall wellbeing – yet many many people are still uninformed about what it means to maintain a healthy heart and why it’s so important. Understanding common myths and recognising the warning signs of heart issues can empower you to take proactive steps toward better heart health.

Common Heart Health Myths

 

1. Myth: Heart Disease Only Affects Older People

• • Fact: While the risk of heart disease increases with age, it can affect people of all ages, including young adults and even children. Factors such as genetics, lifestyle choices, and underlying health conditions can contribute to heart disease at any age.

2. Myth: High Cholesterol is the Main Risk Factor for Heart Disease

• • Fact: While high cholesterol does play a role in heart health, it is a combination of essential lifestyle factors that cause heart disease. 

    The main lifestyle risk factors for heart disease include an unhealthy diet high in saturated and trans fats, excessive salt, and low in fruits and vegetables. A sedentary lifestyle contributes to obesity, while smoking damages blood vessels and increases clot risk.
    
    Additionally, chronic stress and poor sleep quality can negatively impact heart health, making it essential for you to adopt healthier habits to reduce the risk of heart disease.
    

3. Myth: You’ll Always Feel Symptoms of Heart Disease or Stroke

• • Fact: Many individuals with heart disease may not experience noticeable symptoms until a serious event occurs, such as a heart attack. Regular check-ups and screenings are essential for early detection.
    
    Some strokes, known as “silent strokes,” may occur without any noticeable symptoms. These strokes can cause damage to the brain without the individual being aware of it.
    

4. Myth: Heart Disease is a ‘Man’s Disease’ 

• • Fact: It’s true that men are more likely to experience heart disease (especially at a younger age) than women. However, heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women.
    
    While there are some biological factors at play that make men more pre-disposed to experiencing heart complications, lifestyle and behavioural factors seen more commonly in men play a larger role.
    
    Men are more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviours like smoking and drinking to excess, which cause stress on the body and increase pressure on the heart.
    
    Men are also more likely to consume diets high in saturated fats, engage in less cardio exercise than women, and are less likely to attend regular GP appointments.
    

5. Myth: If You’re Active, You Don’t Need to Worry About Your Heart

• • Fact: While regular physical activity is vital for heart health, it does not eliminate the risk of heart disease. Other factors, such as diet, stress, and genetics, also play significant roles. Managing these factors alongside exercise is key.
    
    The amount of time you spend exercising and the types of workouts you choose also make a big difference. Health experts recommend incorporating at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. Make sure you get plenty of strength and cardio training in. Cardio improves circulation and lowers blood pressure, while strength training can help reduce body fat, increase lean muscle mass, and potentially raise good cholesterol levels.
    

6. Myth: Heart Disease is Inevitable if It Runs in Your Family

• • Fact: While genetics can increase the risk of heart disease, lifestyle choices can significantly influence heart health. Healthy eating, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking can cancel out genetic risks.

Recognising Warning Signs of Heart Issues

Being aware of the warning signs of heart problems is crucial for early intervention. Here are some common symptoms to watch for:

1. Chest Pain or Discomfort

• • Often described as a feeling of pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center or left side of the chest. This discomfort may last for more than a few minutes or go away and come back.

2. Shortness of Breath

• • This can occur with or without chest discomfort and may happen during physical activity or at rest.

3. Fatigue

• • Unusual fatigue, especially in women, can be a warning sign of heart disease. If you feel excessively tired without a clear reason, it’s worth discussing with a healthcare provider.

4. Lightheadedness or Dizziness

• • Feeling faint, dizzy, or lightheaded can indicate a heart issue, especially if accompanied by other symptoms.

5. Nausea or Indigestion

• • Some people may experience nausea, indigestion, or heartburn as symptoms of a heart problem, particularly women.

6. Pain in Other Areas

• • Discomfort may radiate to the shoulders, neck, back, jaw, or arms. This is especially common in women and can be mistaken for other conditions.

7. Swelling in the Legs, Ankles, or Feet

• • Fluid retention can indicate heart failure or other heart-related issues.

Conclusion

Understanding the myths surrounding heart health and recognising the warning signs of heart issues are essential steps in promoting heart health. Regular check-ups, a heart-healthy lifestyle, and being attentive to your body can help you maintain a healthy heart and catch potential problems early. Remember, it’s the combination of your lifestyle choices that determine whether you’ll live a life free of heart disease, so If you experience any of the warning signs mentioned, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice. Your heart health is worth it!