Heart Health Myths

Here are some popular ones, according Dr. James Rippe, author of Heart Health for Dummies (Hungry Minds):

Myth: Heart disease strikes middle aged and older people. Fact: A study of young adults shows that up to 75 percent have narrowing of the coronary arteries.

Myth: Men are more likely to develop heart disease than women. Fact: Men just show symptoms earlier.

Myth: Once you have it, it is always progressive. Fact: Some 20 major studies indicate that eating a low-fat diet, exercising regularly, and taking cholesterol-lowering medications can often halt or reverse the progress of heart disease.

Myth: After you have a heart attack, life moves inexorably downhill. Fact: Cardiac rehabilitation programs enable patients to lead vigorous lives.

Myth: To get a heart benefit, you have to exercise until you are out of breath. Fact: Accumulating 30 minutes of moderate activity on most days can lower the risk of heart disease. Sessions of 10 or 15 minutes can be added to make 30.

Myth: Medicalizing obesity is a form of prejudice. Fact: Being more than 20 percent overweight doubles the risk for heart disease. Obesity is a medical condition that can be treated.

Myth: If you have chest pain, wait to see if it goes away. Fact: Ignoring symptoms of a heart attack is the worst thing to do. Call 911 immediately if you have pain, pressure, or squeezing in the chest; pain spreading to the shoulders, neck, or arms; chest discomfort with shortness of breath, light-headedness, sweating, or nausea.

Myth: It's not possible to die of a broken heart or be scared to death. Fact: Heart health can be damaged by stress and how we handle it. Mind/body connections can be tapped to promote heart health.