Weigh the facts before blindly following myths
Heart diseases are the number one cause of deaths worldwide. They claim around 2.4 million lives every year in India alone. They also happen to be one of the most expensive diseases to treat medically with an estimation of around $313 billion a year, globally.
It is rightly said that knowledge is power. In case of heart diseases as well, you will need all the knowledge you can possibly get. While the awareness of health and fitness has become the latest fad, a number of myths accompany heart diseases. It is crucial to know the truth behind all the material you read online or in health books, to avoid finding yourself on a hospital bed.
MYTH #1: Heart Diseases are Old People's Worries
FACT:
How you live your life, what kind of food you ingest and how much you exercise on a daily basis are all directly related to the risk of heart diseases you face. Plaque can start accumulating in the arteries as early as adolescence. Many young and middle-aged individuals suffer from cardiovascular diseases.
One of the major reasons why heart diseases are rampant is that people don't consider themselves at risk. Especially in today's day and age of technology and everything available at your fingertips, the risk of younger people being prone to heart diseases is at an all-time high.
MYTH #2: It's a Man's Disease
FACT:
Not only is this myth false but the real scenario is quite the opposite. More women have died from heart attacks than men have in the last 30 years. It has also been proved that women are more likely to die after their first heart attack.
Women often don't experience the traditional symptoms such as a throbbing pain in the chest. Therefore, regardless of gender, it is recommended that you get your cholesterol level and blood pressure checked at an early age and at regular intervals. It is also advised that you follow up with your medical check-ups no matter what your age, gender or occupation.
MYTH #3: Red Wine is good for the Heart
FACT:
There is no research to suggest that red wine is actually good for the heart. There is information to show that moderate intake of any kind of alcohol - Red Wine, White Wine, Beer or concentrated spirits is helpful in the long term for your heart's well-being. However, it isn't recommended to take up drinking as a preventive measure.
Drinking a glass or two of alcohol a day can be quite healthy and might help in the smooth functioning of your heart. On the other hand, it is also important to understand the long-term effects of drinking and alcoholism.
MYTH #4: Fat/Meat-Free Diets will Prevent Heart Diseases
There is no research to suggest that red wine is actually good for the heart. There is information to show that moderate intake of any kind of alcohol - Red Wine, White Wine, Beer or concentrated spirits is helpful in the long term for your heart's well-being. However, it isn't recommended to take up drinking as a preventive measure.
Drinking a glass or two of alcohol a day can be quite healthy and might help in the smooth functioning of your heart. On the other hand, it is also important to understand the long-term effects of drinking and alcoholism.
FACT:
A balanced diet approach coupled with exercise and fitness will help you prevent cardiovascular diseases much more effectively. Include an intake of fresh fruits, vegetables, fish and nuts in your diet regularly to help maintain your overall health. Fish oil supplement is also taken by many to lower cholesterol. However, fish oil has also been known to increase cholesterol levels instead of reducing it.
Check your diet to make sure that it includes low saturated fats and trans-fats. However, unsaturated fats from vegetable oil and other food groups are beneficial and required by your body to carry out everyday activities as well as to nourish your skin and hair. Skipping out on one component will do more harm than good. A wholesome diet is what's ideal for your body.
MYTH #5: Blood Pressure Increases as you Grow Old
FACT:
It is true that blood pressure tends to increase as you age but this trend doesn't make it normal or good for you. Increased blood pressure means that your heart has to work extra hard to meet the body's requirements. High blood pressure damages the artery walls and is a major reason for fats to enter the arteries causing further damage over the years.
Moreover, high blood pressure is also known as the silent killer. It is possible that you may never have any of the symptoms of high blood pressure but you still suffer from it. The only definite method to know this is to get your blood pressure checked.
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