7 common myths about heart health

High blood pressure in old age is normal

As the body ages, blood pressure often increases due to hardening of the artery walls, forcing the heart to work harder. This creates a harmful vicious cycle – the heart pumps blood vigorously, causing damage to the arteries, which in turn makes this organ work harder. Over time, this stress leads to heart muscle damage, increased fatty deposits in the arteries, and the risk of heart attack.

Diabetes does not affect the heart

Controlling blood sugar levels is important to prevent damage to small blood vessels, which can lead to problems such as kidney disease, vision loss, nerve damage, and erectile dysfunction. The impact of diabetes on larger blood vessels can cause heart attacks and strokes.

Heart disease is only a men’s problem

Both men and women can suffer from cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, and hypertension. This risk increases with age. To prevent disease, each person should proactively take precautions, schedule regular health check-ups to assess cholesterol levels, blood pressure…

People with heart disease should not eat fat

This concept is not correct, patients should maintain a balanced diet. Limit saturated fat, hydrogenated fat, and trans fat. Unsaturated fats found in vegetable oils and foods like fatty fish are beneficial for health.

A mild heart attack is no big deal

A mild heart attack can also be a serious sign of underlying heart disease. They often warn of a heart attack, a risk to the health of this organ in the future.

Heart failure means the heart stops beating

The heart suddenly stops beating in cardiac arrest, not heart failure. In people with heart failure, this organ still functions but does not pump blood as effectively as usual, leading to difficulty breathing, swelling in the feet and ankles, or persistent coughing and wheezing. In the event of cardiac arrest, the patient loses consciousness and stops breathing.

A fast heartbeat means a heart attack

Slight changes in heart rate are normal. Your heart rate speeds up when you exercise or when you’re excited, and slows down when you sleep. Most of the time, heart rate changes are nothing to worry about. But sometimes, it can be a sign of arrhythmia, affecting the function of this organ, which requires treatment.