Dr. Gideon Cohen, a cardiovascular surgeon with Sunnybrook’s Schulich Heart Centre, offers some lifesaving information.
Myth: Only older people are at risk for heart problems
While the risk of heart trouble increases as you get older, a growing number of people are developing high blood pressure, high cholesterol and other heart disease risk factors at younger ages. Poor lifestyle choices are often to blame, including sedentary living, smoking and unhealthy diets. Both good and bad habits can start at any age, so try and develop the good ones as early as possible.
Myth: If I’m having a heart attack, I’ll know
The truth is, only about half of heart attacks are actually recognized by the people living through them. That’s because not everyone experiences the classic symptoms, which include pain in the chest or left arm and shortness of breath. Studies have found that women especially may experience heart attack differently, with symptoms like heartburn, fatigue, jaw or neck pain, trouble breathing or nausea. Also, people with diabetes are more prone to “silent” heart attacks because the disease tends to impair sensation of the heart.
Myth: I can’t exercise because I have heart disease
Even after a heart attack, it’s important and safe for most people to return to physical activity. What’s important is building an activity plan with your doctor or health care team to ensure you’re hitting the right intensity and frequency for you. People with heart disease are actually less likely to suffer a first or recurrent heart attack if they make exercise part of their lives.
Myth: I have a family history of heart trouble, so there’s nothing I can do
While you can’t change your genes, many lifestyle factors come into play when it comes to your heart health. Some of the best things you can do are to not smoke, eat a balanced diet, control your weight, stay active and keep your stress levels down.
Myth: As long as I exercise and eat well, there’s no need to see my doctor
Scheduling periodic health exams with your doctor is important because many heart risks, like high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol, are only detectable through a physical exam or blood test. Even if you have a healthy lifestyle, these problems can be silently risking your health.
