We have been covering the top 12 heart disease myths that abound today. I came across some great information about heart disease myths we here in the United States fall. The site link for all 12 heart disease myths can be found here at http://www.heartpoint.com/dozendangers.html
This information is presented by a practicing cardiologist who is the medical Director of HeartPoint. He stated he gets a lot of questions about heart disease. The doctor also said he was consistently surprised how few “facts” have engrained themselves deeply into “common knowledge”. The myths are not only wrong, but are often dangerously misleading to those who choose to believe them. Here are heart disease myths 5-7 of the top 12.
Heart Disease Myth #5: “Exercise may help you lose weight and look good, but you won’t live any longer.”
Real Truth: The facts on exercise are really surprising. Even a little can go a long way. A recent study of men in Hawaii showed that walking 1-2 miles per day reduced mortality by 35%! We all know that exercise will help you lose weight, and this can lead to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, but it also has been shown in studies to improve a person’s sense of well-being and even decrease the symptoms of depression. You don’t need to join a health club or buy home exercise equipment to make a big difference in how long you live . . . and you’ll feel better and look better, too.
Heart Disease Myth #6: “I just pop a couple of multivitamins a day. That’s all you need.”
Real Truth: Some people seem to believe that vitamins can prevent or cure everything. If only that were so. On the other hand, there are many recent studies suggesting that vitamins can be an important addition to therapy. Vitamin E, a well-known anti-oxidant, has been shown in at least two large studies to reduce the incidence and severity of blocked arteries and heart attacks. The data on Vitamin C is suggestive, but less convincing. Recently, an amino acid (the building blocks of proteins) called “homocysteine” has been shown to be elevated in many people with blocked arteries. Although not all of the data is in yet, it appears that this substance may be as important cholesterol in causing injury and eventual blockage of arteries. And yes, levels of homocysteine can be substantially reduced with the vitamins folic acid (folate), B-6, and B-12.
Heart Disease Myth #7: “Those nitroglycerin pills are dangerous!”
Real Truth: Nitroglycerin (“nitro”) is a medication which can be administered in pills, tablets, spray cans, intravenously . . . even in paste or patches placed on the skin. It has been around for years, and has never to my knowledge “blown anyone up”! While it may cause headaches and lightheadedness, it is prescribed to people with blocked heart arteries because it can be so effective in relieving a lack of blood supply and oxygen to the heart muscle. The small pills (which are placed and dissolved under the tongue) and spray cans (also sprayed under the tongue) are to use at the time that angina (usually perceived as pain in the chest) is occurring. One should indeed sit down when taking nitroglycerin, and should stand up slowly afterwards as well (it does cause the blood vessels to dilate and could cause a lowering of blood pressure). However, patients underuse this inexpensive but powerful little miracle. They think that “the pain wasn’t severe enough”, or “I was afraid of what it would do”. (By the way though, nitroglycerin in any form must be avoided by patients who are taking the new drug, Viagra).
In the next post, we will uncover heart disease myths 8-10.
To Your Heart’s Health
Monique Hawkins
540-858-2885
mentormonique@gmail.com
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