Outdated assumptions and “Dr Google” have led to confusion around heart health. Sharon Hunt looks at common myths about cardiovascular disease, and highlights the symptoms that require immediate action.
Heart disease doesn’t discriminate. What catches so many people out is a preconceived notion that only a certain “type” of person is affected by heart health issues. However, when you think about it, you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who doesn’t personally know someone who is either managing their blood pressure or has high cholesterol – or has had a cardiac incident. But that’s the point – there is no type. It’s one of many commonly held heart-health myths around. Here, we explore some other common beliefs.
More than 170,000 people in are currently living with heart disease. It is responsible for more than 6000 deaths every year – that’s equivalent to the loss of 16 to 18 Kiwi lives a day.
Since so many of us will be touched by heart disease at some point, we all owe it to ourselves and our loved ones to be up to speed on the symptoms of a heart attack. Knowing the symptoms – even the most unlikely ones – is a potential lifesaver.
And our lifestyle choices can make all the difference.
MYTH: I’M TOO YOUNG TO WORRY ABOUT HEART DISEASE.
“Risk factors begin accumulating as early as our 20s, so we need to be observant of our heart health at every stage of our lives,” advises Heart Foundation National Spokesperson on Women’s Health, Julie Anne Mitchell. It’s never too early to eat well and exercise regularly to prevent obesity, type 2 diabetes and other heart disease risk factors.
MYTH: I’LL FEEL IT IF I HAVE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE OR HIGH CHOLESTEROL.
This story is from the March 2018 edition of Australian Women’s Weekly NZ.
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This story is from the March 2018 edition of Australian Women’s Weekly NZ.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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