03/04/2023
Here are some myths and facts about heart disease:
Myth: Only older people get heart disease.
Fact: While it's true that the risk of heart disease increases with age, it can affect people of any age, including children.
Myth: Heart disease is only a problem for men.
Fact: Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women.
Myth: Heart disease is only caused by high cholesterol.
Fact: While high cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease, other risk factors include high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and family history.
Myth: Heart disease can't be prevented.
Fact: Many cases of heart disease can be prevented by making healthy lifestyle choices such as eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, not smoking, and managing stress.
Myth: Heart disease is always accompanied by chest pain.
Fact: While chest pain or discomfort is a common symptom of heart disease, it can also present as shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, lightheadedness, or discomfort in other areas of the body like the arms, back, neck, or jaw.
Myth: Heart disease is always hereditary.
Fact: While family history can increase the risk of heart disease, lifestyle factors like diet and exercise can also play a significant role in its development.
Myth: Heart disease is only a concern for overweight or obese people.
Fact: Even people with a healthy weight can be at risk for heart disease if they have other risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a family history of heart disease.