INTRODUCTION:

“Heart disease is a problem exclusive to men”. 

Obesity is the main cause of high cholesterol and heart attacks. These are just a couple of the many myths surrounding cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Over time, various misconceptions about heart health have emerged, leading to confusion and misinformed decisions. In this blog, we’ll debunk some of the most common myths about CVD and reveal the facts you need to know to protect your heart. Keep reading to discover the truth and take control of your heart health! 

What Exactly is a Cardiovascular Disease?  

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a term which refers to group of disorders related to heart and blood vessels. The heart can also be subject to the following diseases; coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias and stroke. Most commonly CVD occurs due to the built up of fats in the arteries through a process known as atherosclerosis that leads to narrowing of blood vessels hence limiting the movement of blood which leads to heart attack or stroke.

Myth 1: Heart Disease is Not a Problem for Young People  

It is a common belief that heart disease belongs to older adults alone since youth can be seen as an innate protector from heart diseases. This false notion creates unwarranted confidence in the minds of the youth, making them disregard any warning about their hearts and refuse to adopt any measures that are beneficial to them.  

Fact 1: Heart Disease Can Affect Any Age  

It’s real that heart disease can happen at any age. In the young ones, heart complications can result from poor nutrition, lack of exercise, smoking and genetic factors. In fact, CDC indicates that 1 out of 5 cardiovascular deaths in 2022 occurred in people who are aged below 651. Detecting early and preventing it are important steps to take in order to minimize the chances of getting heart diseases.  

Myth 2: Diabetes Will Not Lead to Heart Disease if You Take Diabetes Medication  

For most people, taking diabetes medication is enough to prevent heart disease as far as they are concerned since just maintaining blood sugar levels is thought to be protective. That can make patients complacent and fail to take care of other important factors that contribute to heart health.  

Fact 2: It is Important to Know that Comprehensive Management is Key  

Though diabetes medication help in preventing complications occurring in blood vessels; their influence over larger blood vessels that may get inflamed leading to heart stroke is minimal. According to Dr. Alan Malabanan who is associated with diabetes at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital, larger vessels respond always better to lowering cholesterol levels as well as blood pressure levels. If you want to minimize chances of developing heart diseases including stroke besides taking your diabetes medications pay attention on avoiding high cholesterol diets, hypertension control methods, and getting rid of cigarette smoking habits.  

Myth 3: Heart Disease is only Men Problem  

A majority of individuals consider the heart disease to be a domain for men, claiming it does not affect women. Such false ideas may make women underestimate their own predisposition and not taking adequate measures regarding preventing the heart diseases.  

Fact 3: Heart Disease Affects Both Men and Women  

Since 1984, heart disease has taken more lives among women than men on a yearly basis. This condition is the top killer for women over the age of sixty-five years, just like it remains for men. Regardless if you are male or female, make sure that your physician runs a primary heart assessment on you which includes cholesterol levels and blood pressure analysis so as to keep your heart healthy.  

Myth 4: Heart Patients Must Minimize their Meals  

A majority of the populace tend to think that heart patients should minimize their diets completely assuming that by eating less, they will be able to manage their condition better. This belief may result in malnutrition and poor health in general.  

Fact 4: Balanced Nutrition is Key  

It therefore is advisable to consume food containing nutrients meant for heart health instead of eating less. This means that such individuals should consume a lot of various fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meat products, as well as healthy fats. Also, paying attention to portion sizes and refraining from too much consumption of salt, sugar or unhealthy fats are equally important.  

Myth 5: A Mild Heart Attack Does Not Lead to Significant Consequences  

Many people think that minor heart attacks are nothing to worry about as they only respond to critical situations with serious heart attack. The myth may cause obstinacy in attending to such medical emergencies which may be potentially fatal.  

Fact 5: All Heart Attacks Require Proper Treatment  

A heart attack of any severity means damage to the heart muscle and the possibility of having additional more serious ones later on. Correct medication as well as genetic testing for cardiovascular disease are vital in order to avoid other complications and enhance heart condition. You need to see a doctor without delay if those symptoms come about.

Types of Cardiovascular Diseases:  

CVDs (Cardiovascular diseases) are a set of illnesses that affect the heart and blood vessels. Some common types of CVDs include:  

• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): The coronary arteries which bring blood to the heart muscle get narrowed or blocked resulting to chest pain otherwise known as angina or heart attack.  
• Heart Failure: This term refers to a situation when it becomes impossible for a heart to pump out sufficient amounts of blood, causing signs such as shortness of breath, high fatigue, and fluid retention.  
• Arrhythmia: It is an irregular heartbeat which occurs at an abnormally high or low rate, or a mixture of the two that can lead to heart palpitations, faintness or dizziness.  
• Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Narrowing of the arteries in the limbs, usually the legs, causing pain and cramping during physical activity.  
• Hypertensive Heart Disease: Heart problems that occur due to high blood pressure, including thickening of the heart muscle and coronary artery disease. 
   

What are risk factors of Cardiovascular Disease or Heart Disease?

One individual may be more likely to develop heart disease if you have risk factors such as:  

• Hypertension is a condition characterized by increase in blood force on artery walls leading to their eventual damages.  
• Hyperlipidemia is that which causes arteries to form plaques thereby reducing blood flow.  
• Smoking or Tobacco use (including vaping) alters blood vessels and raises one’s blood pressure.  
• High blood sugar levels damages both kidneys and nerves responsible for pumping blood towards the heart in Type 2 diabetes.  
• Genetic predisposition can increase risk (a family history of heart disease).  
• A diet high in sugar, sodium, and fat can result to hypertension, hyperlipidemia as well as obesity.  
• Excessive alcohol drinking leads to increased heart muscle damaging blood pressure.  
• Chronic kidney condition associated mostly with hypertension and diabetes elevates risk factor for coronary artery illness.

Preventive Measures for Cardiovascular Disease:  

To prevent cardiovascular disease, there must be some change in one’s living style; visiting health professionals for regular check-ups is very essential as well as understanding your genetic risk. Cardiac arrest would be avoided if people know when there is a chest pain or abnormal blood pump movements and feeling dizziness. As heart problems can be inherited, it is necessary to take into consideration what occurs in the family tree. Getting genetic tests for heart diseases will help understand their triggers hence make customized ways to prevent them.  

For a more personalized approach to your prevention plan, you might want consider using the Cardiovascular Genomics Test for early heart related treatment. This advanced test analyses your genes in order to determine possible risks for a range of heart ailments including congenital heart disease, atherosclerotic heart disease among others. Understanding the genetic predispositions helps you take measures aimed at preventing heart diseases early enough.  

The Cardiovascular Genomics Test gives a thorough report which contains individualized recommendations on lifestyle, medication and other measures designed to lower your chances of suffering from cardiovascular disorders. The test is especially useful for people who have a family history in matters related to the heart as it shows genetic factors that may not be evident through normal risk evaluation procedures

The Bottom Line:

MicroGen Health is, without a doubt, one of the leading diagnostic labs in the Virginia, United States that has invested greatly in advanced testing services. The Cardiovascular Genomics Test is one of them and gives invaluable insights into genetic predisposition to different heart conditions, including congenital heart defects or atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. This type of testing is especially important for those who have had relatives suffering from heart diseases since it helps detect hereditary factors which may have gone unnoticed by normal risk assessment tools.  

By using MicroGen Health’s Cardiovascular Genomics Panel, you will get a complete report that contains tailored recommendations for changing diet, medication use and other types of interventions which can help reduce chances of developing cardiovascular diseases. In this effective manner, you can positively impact your cardiovascular health and make decisions that will affect your well-being. You can now go ahead and trust best diagnostic lab, MicroGen Health in Virginia, US for accurate as well as reliable cutting edge testing solutions to secure both your heart and general health.