Heart disease kills more people in the United States each year than any other illness. There are many false assumptions surrounding cardiovascular health, such as who is more prone to it and when it can occur. While some are founded on facts, others are false and can put you at risk without you knowing it.
Seeking information, keeping current with your cardiologist appointments, and asking questions will keep you ahead of the game. Being informed is half the battle! Below, we explore the five most common misconceptions about heart health.
1. “I’m too young to think about heart health.”
The choices you make now can have an impact on your health later. If you’re sedentary, have a diet high in fat and have unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking, this will affect your health for years to come. Also, people who are obese and suffer from conditions like type I or II diabetes are at a higher risk for heart disease, regardless of their age.
2. “If my blood pressure was high, I would know because I would have symptoms.”
High blood pressure is known as a silent killer for a reason. It can wreak havoc with no physical symptoms. It is up to the you to keep your finger on the pulse of your health. Keeping current with your numbers and regularly checking them to make sure they are in a healthy range will let you know of any possible signs that you may need to seek medical attention.
3. “As long as I take my medication, diabetes won’t threaten my heart health.”
Simply tending to your blood sugar levels won’t stave off heart disease. If your blood sugar is fine but you’re still engaging in habits such as a sedentary lifestyle, drinking, smoking and an unhealthy diet, your risk of heart disease is heightened. Keeping a healthy heart is not exclusive from keeping all areas of health in check, they affect and influence one another. If you’re not sure as to whether your diabetes or lifestyle habits are having a negative impact on your heart, contact your cardiologist today to schedule an appointment to discuss your health and habits.
4. I don’t have to worry about my cholesterol levels until I’m middle-aged.
Starting in your twenties, your cholesterol should be checked every 5 years. If your family has a history of heart disease, it’s a good idea to have it checked even earlier. Additionally, implementing healthy lifestyle habits like a balanced diet and regular exercise will have a positive impact on your health. The right time to treat high cholesterol is before it has a chance to appear.
5. “I have a family history of heart disease, therefore whether or not I put in effort toward my heart health, I’m predestined to suffer from heart complications.”
While having family history of heart disease does mean that you have an increased risk of experiencing heart complications, it doesn’t mean that it will inevitably happen to you. You can take charge of your heart health by implementing healthy diet and exercise habits into your lifestyle and by having your heart health checked on a regular basis, as recommended by your doctor.
Our bodies are resilient in our younger years. However, as we age, any unhealthy habits we had in our youth can quickly catch up. The best course of action is a preventative one, saving you time, finances and possibly your life.
Get your heart checked out by the experienced and caring physicians at North Suffolk Cardiology by booking an appointment today.