In the past few years, cardiovascular health has gotten a lot of attention in the media. It's no wonder as millions of people die from heart disease every year. But while there is a lot more information about heart health available to the masses, there are also a few myths that have taken root in the public consciousness. This article will tell you about the top 5 heart health myths.
1) You Can't Exercise if You Have Heart Disease
This particular myth is usually false. After you have a heart attack, your doctor will usually suggest that you get on a workout regimen within two weeks of the coronary event. According to experts, regular exercise slows down the progression of heart disease. It even lessens the chance that you will experience a second heart attack.
2) Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Aspirin Are Good Heart Attack Deterrents
While aspirin and omega-3 fatty acids can be a good way to prevent heart disease, there are some limits to this preventative measure. Experts say that if there are no contraindications, men over the age of 50 and women over the age of 65 should take aspirin. However, aspirin can bother some people's stomachs, plus some people have allergies. For some young women, the chance that they can suffer from excessive bleeding after taking aspirin might outweigh its potential upsides.
People who have already had a cardiovascular event can consume omega-3 fatty acids to prevent another one. Experts recommend that people consume fatty fish at least twice a week or take 3 grams of an omega-3 fatty acid supplement. However, going over the recommended doses can cause some people to experience excessive bleeding.
3) Young Women Aren't At Risk for Heart Disease
Many women in their 40s or 50s think they do not have to worry about their cardiovascular health just yet. However, over 460,000 women die from heart disease a year. Not all of them are over the age of 65. Some of the risk factors for cardiovascular issues, such as type II diabetes, hypertension and obesity, is increasingly being seen in younger women. As these risk factors are seen in more and more women, heart disease becomes more common. Diet and exercise are two ways that younger women can lessen their risk of future heart attacks.
4) You Would Know If You Had Heart Health Issues
There are no symptoms associated with high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Unless you have a test for high cholesterol or blood pressure, you would have no way of knowing if you had these types of issues.
5) Men and Women Experience Heart Disease in the Same Way
Women tend to have symptoms that are a bit more unorthodox than the tightness in the chest area that men have. Some of the symptoms that women experience before having a heart attack include the following health issues:
- Disturbed sleep
- Shortness of breath
- Unusual levels of fatigue
- Weakness
Indigestion and nausea could also be signs that a woman is experiencing a heart attack. Older women are more likely to experience the classic tightness in the chest sensation than their younger counterparts.
In order to improve your heart health, it is important to separate myth from fact. It's not always easy to do this, but taking the time out for research now can give you a better quality of life in the future.
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