Heart Disease Myths

Myth #1

The leading cause of death in women is Breast Cancer.

Truth: Heart disease is the number one killer of women and men. The Center for Disease Control reports one in four women die every year from the disease. The CDC’s Women and Heart Disease Fact Sheet illustrates areas of the nation where heart disease is most prevalent.

photo by Oedipusphinx

Myth #2

I exercise daily. Heart disease is for overweight people.

Truth: Regular exercise will help to lower your risk factors but it will not completely eliminate your chance of getting the disease. Ask yourself are you eating healthy? Diet plays a huge role in your overall health and well being. Just because you are not considered obese does not mean your health concerns stop. Visit the doctor annually to get your cholesterol and blood pressure checked.

Myth #3

I would know if I had heart disease.

Truth: Symptoms of the disease in women widely differ. The Cleveland Clinic reports women develop symptoms 10 years later than men. Some symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, indigestion and anxiety. However many women experience no symptoms before being diagnosed by their doctor.

Myth #4

All you have to do is take vitamins.

Truth: Vitamins are good however they will not rid all risk factors for the disease. Nothing replaces a diet of a variety of fruits and vegetables. One vitamin that could help is folic acid. Medicine.net breaks down how and why B vitamins, in addition to folic acid can help your heart.

Myth #5

It’s in my genes my grandmother, and mother have it. There’s nothing I can to do avoid it.

Truth: A poor family history does increase your chances of getting the disease but it doesn’t mean you have to roll over and die. Fight back! Talk to your family members, educate yourself on who has the disease and when they were diagnosed. Pay attention to their lifestyle patterns. Ask yourself are they active and do they eat a balanced diet? Once you understand your family history write it down using the CDC Family History Chart. It helps to have a firm grasp on you and your families health history before going to the doctor.

For more myths about heart disease read USA Today’s article 10 Myths about Heart Disease or watch CBS Top 5 Heart Disease Myths