We have been covering the top 12 heart disease myths that most of us have heard about. I came across this information at http://www.heartpoint.com/dozendangers.html
All of this is presented by the medical director and practicing cardiologist of Heart Point. Ignore these dangerous myths at your own peril.
Heart Disease Myth #8
Food that has no cholesterol is ok to eat. It has taken years, but the message is out about cholesterol, and almost everyone knows you want less of it. The companies that package food know this, and prominently label their food with sayings like “Low Cholesterol!” It’s easy to forget that saturated fat is important, shifting the liver’s metabolism to higher production of the “bad” types of cholesterol. While “polyunsaturated” fats are less harmful, a diet with moderate amounts of “monounsaturated” fats, such as are found in olive and canola oils may be the most protective of all. The so-called “Mediterranean Diet”, with primarily fresh fruits and vegetables, modest amounts of meat, and significant monounsaturated fat intake seems to be protective, as well as tasty and enjoyable. For more on cholesterol and you diet, follow the link.
Heart Disease Myth #9 A few drinks won’t hurt you.
This actually is not much of a myth . . . as long as it isn’t taken too far. Alcohol in moderate amounts seems to increase the amount of HDL (or “good”) cholesterol. This benefit occurs at around two drinks daily (this means about 2 ounces of liquor, 16-24 ounces of beer, or two glasses of wine). Large quantities of alcohol clearly cause damage to the heart muscle. Wines, particularly red wines, and “dark beers” appear to have additional anti-oxidant activities. While these beneficial effects exist, it remains a bit difficult to encourage people to increase their intake of the most abused drug in the world. Other beverages seem to be just as beneficial, without the side effects which plague alcohol. Try a cup or two of tea (particularly green tea), or grape juice.
Heart Disease Myth #10 Women don’t get heart disease. I’m too young.
Women generally don’t get heart disease at as early an age as men, but they catch up quickly. And even though female hormones are important in decreasing the incidence of blocked arteries, heart attacks can still occur. Heart disease does not always spare the young either. Heart attacks can sometimes occur when people are in their 20′s and 30′s, and are not really all that uncommon at all by the time a person reaches 40 years of age.
Heart Disease Myth #11 Quit work, stress can kill you
Several personality traits and psychological conditions have been shown to be associated with an increased risk of serious heart disease. The classic intense and driven “Type A” personality is well known, but it is not the work that hurts these folks. Those Type A’s who experience hostility along with a continued sense of time urgency are the ones that have the trouble. Depression and social isolation also seem to be important negatives for heart disease.
Heart Disease Myth #12 You’re gonna die anway, so may as well go quick.
Well, the first part of the statement is true, and the second may be a reasonable conclusion as well. Heart disease enjoys a well-deserved reputation as a stalker who may strike suddenly. The myth however, is that it always causes a sudden demise. Unfortunately, it may just as likely cause disability from recurrent chest pain, heart failure, or strokes, and you don’t get to choose!
As you can see, there are many heart disease myths in the United States today. Get educated and do all you can to keep your heart healthy!
To Your Heart’s Health
Monique Hawkins
540-858-2885
mentormonique@gmail.com
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