Heart Diseases – Myths Busted
With being the leading cause of death in the world, heart diseases have become a significant issue of concern in today’s time. In low-income countries like India, the probability of deaths related to heart diseases have increased by 36% in the last 26 years which in fact is way higher than that of the west. Accounting for 1/4th of all deaths, it is topping the list as the leading cause of death in India as well.
In spite of heart diseases being common and so many awareness campaigns by the government, there are many misconceptions and myths about it. With a condition this serious, it’s important that all myths regarding it be debunked. Let’s discuss and bust some myths and misconception about heart diseases -:
Myth 1: It occurs only among elderly people.
This statement isn’t correct in any way. Anyone can become a victim of heart disease. Whether it be a teenager or a person in his/her 40’s. Although we can say that the probability of elders having this condition is higher than a normal person but that doesn’t mean it happens only in elderly people.
According to the Indian Heart Association, more than 25% of heart attacks occur in people below 40 years of age.
Myth 2: It is a condition that occurs only among men.
It’s another myth that needs some major debunking. In reality, Heart Diseases have taken the lives of more females than it has of men. Though the cardiovascular disease starts 7-10 years later in women, however, more women have died of Heart diseases or heart-related ailments than that from breast cancer.
Myth 3: I work out regularly and am physically fit and I think there is no chance of me having any heart ailment.
Though it is really good for you to workout. It is the best solution to keep your heart fit and healthy. However, working out and staying fit doesn’t really guarantee to keep out health ailments and problems away.
There may be chances someone in your family having a heart disease and it gets passed onto you. Heart diseases do get passed on from members to members and it is important to have a background check of health ailments in the family.
Myth 4: There is a vicious family trend of members being diagnosed with heart diseases. There is no way of me getting away with it without being diagnosed.
Although there is a high probability of you getting a heart disease passed onto you by a family member. You can avoid it by keeping a good health, eating healthy, working out, having a healthy lifestyle.
Also having regular checkups and keeping in check your health and heart is also a must. Catching the problem at it’s earliest is the best option to reduce the risk factor.
Myth 5: I never have any kind of chest pain or any kind of uneasiness. There is no chance of me having a heart disease.
This statement is a complete myth. In fact, you can be feeling completely well and healthy one day and the next day itself you may have a stroke. Heart attacks are very difficult to predict. A regular checkup and maintaining good health is the only way to keep in check the condition of your heart.
Myth 6: My diabetes won’t have any kind of effect on my heart.
Another common myth. Diabetes actually plays a crucial role in heart diseases. A person with diabetes has a way higher chance of contracting a heart disease as compared to a normal person. A diabetic patient has higher chances of having obesity, high bp, overeating etc which all increase the chances of having a heart disease. Hence a diabetic patient should be extra careful regarding his health and
Myth 7: If I was about to have a heart attack I would definitely have some kind of pain before the heart attack itself.
Heart attacks are really unpredictable. These can happen at any moment to anyone of any age. There isn’t any kind of pain before a heart attack. The pain will occur while the patient is going through the heart attack. It is a complete myth that there will be any kind of pain except a bit of uneasiness before the heart attack. Symptoms are really subtle and difficult to differentiate.
Myth 8: I have pain in my legs and arms, I don’t think it has anything to do with my heart.
Pain in the leg muscles could have a relationship with the condition known as ”Peripheral Artery Disease” which increases the risk of heart diseases. Over time Plaque builds up in your arteries which narrows down arteries and increases the risk of a heart condition. You feel pain in your leg muscles due to blockage of these arteries and this pain should not be ignored.
Myth 9: Ayurvedic solutions do not help with heart disease
Ayurvedic is a proven science and it do help in mitigation of heart risk disease. Many of the natural supplements like turmeric helps in weight reduction which can be linked to reduced heart risks.
But, everyone should not opt for self medication. Even for natual supplements, it is also advisable to consult a Doctor or medical practiotioner. She can better understand your conditions and provide proper recommendations.