Heart Disease Myths vs. Truths
There are many conflicting ideas that surround the topic of Heart Disease. Unfortunately, due to some misunderstandings and false information, many people fail to take preventative measures to protect themselves from heart disease, heart attacks or cardiac arrest.
At LifeWorks Wellness Center, we try to communicate factual information to our patients to ensure that they are taking the right steps to prevent heart disease. In order to do that, we have to make sure that all myths are proved false with scientific evidence backing up the truth. To straighten out the false information that is spread either by word-of-mouth or basic assumptions, here are some very common myths that people believe about heart conditions and the real truths that debunk them.
Heart Disease Myth 1: Heart Disease is a Problem For Old People
Truth: Heart disease can affect anyone of any age. Because obesity continues to become a growing issue, more young adults around the ages of 25-34 are developing early forms of heart problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol¹. Plaque can begin to develop within the arteries at an early age, therefore, we always encourage patients of any age to keep an eye on their heart health.
In other cases, some babies are born with congenital heart defects that can either be treated at an early age or sometimes be so severe that they need heart transplants. Another rare condition that children may be born with is Type 1 Diabetes or juvenile diabetes. Obviously, heart conditions that are present at birth can’t be controlled, however they can be treated with the right lifestyle choices and eating habits.
Heart Disease Myth 2: Only Men Should Worry About Heart Disease
Truth: While studies do favor the male gender being affected by heart conditions compared to their female counterpart, this does not mean that women don’t have to worry about their heart risks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that, “heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States”².
Heart conditions do not discriminate based on the gender of an individual, and everyone should take the necessary steps to avoid the development of possible heart conditions.
Heart Disease Myth 3: Treatments And Medication Will Cure Everything
Truth: It is not enough to rely heavily on medications and treatment for a “cure” to heart disease. To be honest, there really is no official “cure” to heart conditions, however symptoms can be controlled with the combination of natural dietary changes, supplements, treatments and lifestyle improvements.
Medication is not prescribed as an official “cure” to any type of condition and should not be taken for long periods of time, otherwise this can do more harm to the body than good. Seeking treatment can help, however it is simply up to the patient to maintain their self-care even after they receive it.
Heart Disease Myth 4: There is Nothing That You Can Do If You Inherit Heart Disease
Truth: It’s very easy to feel this way when one believes that they have little control over their heart health, but there is definitely still hope. Even if heart conditions run within the family bloodline, there are many ways to keep them controlled and at bay.
LifeWorks Wellness Center recommends all patients (whether they have heart conditions or not) to exercise, maintain a healthy diet, and to stop any activities that would increase the risks of heart disease (such as smoking or drinking alcohol).
For those who are still worried, LifeWorks offers various treatments such as Plaquex IVs, Enhanced External Counterpulsation, Chelation and Ozone Therapy. We also highly encourage natural supplements such as magnesium, fish oil, multivitamins, and PerfectAminos.
Heart Disease Myth 5: Be Aware of Chest Pain
Truth: Technically, this isn’t a false statement, however chest pain isn’t the only symptom that people should be aware of. Sadly, some who only look out for pressure in the chest have still succumbed to a heart attack, and this is because they never experienced that main symptom and, instead, ignored other less obvious signs.
As a matter of fact, many patients have reported suffering heart attacks without feeling any type of pain within the chest. This is called “The Silent Heart Attack”; a heart condition in which patients experience little to no symptoms whatsoever.
Unfortunately, the silent heart attack can cause significant damage to the heart and be fatal to the patient, therefore, being aware of subtle signs of a heart attack is extremely important. Some of these symptoms include sweating, nausea, shortness of breath, and muscle discomfort.
The best way to keep a close eye on your heart health is to do annual bloodwork, see your practitioner at least once a year, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
All In All…
At LifeWorks Wellness Center, we encourage all of our patients to make their heart health a priority. If one wishes to know exactly how to do this, it is best to speak to a doctor or practitioner to understand the right information for each individual heart condition and how to take care of it.
We have successfully treated those who suffer from different heart conditions naturally for several years and continue to do so to this day. If you or someone you know has suffered from a heart attack or a heart condition, please contact LifeWorks Wellness Center at 727-466-6789.
If you are experiencing either main symptoms or subtle symptoms of a heart attack, please call 9-1-1.
Helpful Heart Health Resources
- Heart Health - our complete page on heart health / cardiovascular treatment.
