Busting 4 Most Common Heart Health Myths

Your heart is a vital organ that circulates blood throughout your body, supplying nutrients and oxygen to cells and eliminating waste. Heart health can have an impact on your overall health and well-being, as well as your ability to engage in your favourite activities and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

There are many myths and misinformation floating around about heart health and cardiovascular disease, so keep reading to learn about four such common heart health myths.

1. Young people should not be concerned about their heart health

Your lifestyle choices in your youth have a significant impact on your heart health now and in the future. [Plaque](https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/about-cholesterol/atherosclerosis#:~:text=Plaque (fatty deposits) build up,of the blood vessel thickens.) can begin to build up in your arteries when you're young, leading to thickening of the blood vessel walls. Plaque refers to fatty deposits composed of cellular waste products, cholesterol, fatty substances etc.. Too much of it can increase your chances of having clogged arteries, which can lead to cardiovascular disease and heart attacks. .

You could develop cardiovascular disease at a young age too. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, with approximately two out of every ten deaths caused by coronary artery disease occurring in adults under the age of 65.

Making heart-healthy choices at a young age can lower your risk of heart disease and help you stay healthy throughout your life and live longer. Some of the most effective ways to lower your risk of heart disease include:

Eating a nutritious dietRegular exercise and maintaining a healthy weightAvoiding the use of tobacco and excessive alcohol consumptionKeeping stress levels in check

2. Fat in diet and risk of heart disease While saturated and trans fats have been linked to poor heart health, other types of fats can actually lower your risk of heart disease.

Unsaturated fats should be included in your diet because they are beneficial in lowering cholesterol levels and lowering your risk. Unsaturated fat can be found in foods such as nuts, olive oil, low-fat dairy products, and omega-3 fatty acid-rich fish like salmon.

**3. Only men are at risk of heart disease.**Men are certainly affected by heart disease, but women are just as likely to develop it. In fact, over the last three decades, more women than men have died from heart disease. Men and women should be aware of their risk factors and take steps to reduce their chances of developing heart disease.

Plan regular wellness examinations with your healthcare provider, and ensure that those checkups include blood pressure and cholesterol testing.

4. Genetic factors influence the risk of heart disease more than lifestyle choices

When it comes to heart health, your genetics do play a role, but many people who suffer from cardiovascular disease engage in harmful behaviours such as smoking, avoiding exercise, and eating an unhealthy diet. Your choices can raise your cholesterol, cause high blood pressure, and even lead to type 2 diabetes.

All of these factors have the potential to raise your risk of developing heart disease. If you have genetic risk factors, it is even more important to maintain your weight, control your blood pressure, and stay active.

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