The heart is an organ that plays a role in pumping blood throughout the body. If there is a problem with the heart organ, blood circulation will be blocked and have an impact on the health of the body. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2019 heart disease was one of the leading causes of death. This disease is often associated with various myths circulating in society. What are the myths and facts about heart disease that are often encountered? Read more in the following article.
Fact:
1. Heart disease can attack anyone
It's not just older people who can get heart disease. Even teenagers can be at risk if they have an unhealthy lifestyle.
2. Regular exercise helps maintain heart health.
Doing physical activity, such as running or playing soccer, can strengthen the heart and prevent heart disease.
3. Smoking increases the risk of heart disease
Harmful substances in cigarettes can damage blood vessels and the heart, increasing the risk of heart attack.
4. High cholesterol levels are dangerous for the heart
Cholesterol that builds up in blood vessels can cause blockages that trigger heart attacks.
5. A healthy diet can prevent heart disease
Eating foods rich in fiber, fruits, and vegetables can reduce the risk of heart disease.
6. Obesity can increase the risk of heart disease
Excess weight puts a strain on the heart and increases the risk of heart disease.
7. Chronic stress is bad for the heart
Prolonged stress can trigger increased blood pressure which can lead to heart disease.
8. Family history affects the risk of heart disease
If a family member has a history of heart disease, the risk of developing this disease is higher.
9. Lack of sleep can increase the risk of heart disease
Getting enough sleep is essential for maintaining blood pressure and overall heart health.
10. Heart disease can be prevented
By adopting a healthy lifestyle, such as avoiding smoking, eating healthily, and exercising, the risk of developing heart disease can be significantly reduced.
Myth:
1. “Heart disease only affects old people.”
In fact, even young people can get heart disease if they have an unhealthy lifestyle.
2. “If there are no symptoms, my heart must be healthy.”
Heart disease can develop without symptoms. Therefore, regular check-ups are very important to detect it.
3. “Skinny people can't get heart disease.”
Although obesity is a risk factor, people with normal weight can also get heart disease if they have an unhealthy lifestyle.
4. “Women are not at high risk for heart disease.”
Although men are more frequently diagnosed, women are also at high risk, especially after menopause.
5. “Heart disease cannot be prevented.”
Many people believe that heart disease is inevitable, even though most cases can be prevented with a healthy lifestyle.
6. “I'm still young, so I don't need to worry.”
An unhealthy lifestyle from a young age can increase the risk of heart disease later in life.
7. “Only people who are into sports need special attention to their heart.”
Everyone, not just athletes, needs to take care of their heart health, as risk factors such as diet and smoking also play a role.
8. “High cholesterol is only an old person's problem.”
High cholesterol can occur at any age, especially if a person does not maintain a diet.
9. “If I take medication, I can continue to eat anything.”
Taking medication alone is not enough. It is still important to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle.
10. “Drinking red wine regularly is good for the heart.”
Despite claims that red wine is good for the heart, too much alcohol consumption can actually damage the heart.
Therefore, to find out the exact cause of the chest pain you are experiencing, you should consult a doctor for further examination and explanation.
Heart disease is a serious health problem and cannot be ignored. After knowing the myths and facts above, we can better understand heart disease. By knowing heart disease more deeply, it is earlier to maintain heart health. Let's apply a healthy lifestyle starting from a balanced diet, regular exercise, to managing stress well. This aims to bring about major changes to our quality of life in the future.
Article written by dr. Emile Tumpal Hombaron, Sp.JP (K) FIHA (Heart and Blood Vessel Specialist at EMC Alam Sutera Hospital).