Heart Health Myths vs. Facts

Misinformation about heart health is widespread and can hinder effective prevention and treatment strategies. Dispelling these myths with accurate information is crucial for promoting cardiovascular well-being.

Myth 1: Heart Disease is a "Man’s Disease"
Fact: Women face unique challenges in the diagnosis, recognition, and treatment of heart disease. According to the British Heart Foundation, around 100 women in the UK are admitted to hospitals daily due to heart attacks, yet they are 50% more likely than men to be initially misdiagnosed. Historically, cardiovascular trials have predominantly included men, leading to a limited understanding of how symptoms present in women.

While classic heart attack symptoms—chest pain, pressure, or tightness—are well known, women may experience more subtle signs such as breathlessness, fatigue, nausea, or widespread discomfort. This misconception that heart disease primarily affects men can lead healthcare providers to overlook or downplay symptoms in female patients. Women with risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, or a family history of heart disease should be particularly attentive to any unusual physical sensations and seek medical advice when in doubt.

https://www.hampshirechronicle.co.uk/news/24141757.winchester-doctor-issues-warning-womens-heart-health/

Link to ‘Chest Pain in Women’ guideline: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36921653/

Myth 2: Heart Disease Only Affects the Elderly
Fact: While age increases the risk of heart disease, it can affect individuals at any stage of life. Factors such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes have led to a rise in cardiovascular disease among younger populations. Lifestyle interventions—such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking—are essential in mitigating this risk. In the UK, over 7 million people live with cardiovascular disease, with 480 deaths occurring daily, 130 of which are individuals under 75.

https://www.bhf.org.uk/what-we-do/our-research/heart-statistics

Myth 3: Exercising More Than Recommended Can Shorten Your Life
Fact: The opposite is true. A 2022 study published in Circulation found that exceeding recommended physical activity levels contributes to longevity.

Lower mortality rates were associated with:

• 150–299 minutes per week of moderate physical activity
• 300–599 minutes per week of vigorous physical activity
• A combination of the two

Moderate exercise includes brisk walking, cycling, or housework like mopping. Vigorous activities include jogging, basketball, or fast cycling. The study, which tracked 116,221 adults over 30 years, found that engaging in vigorous exercise for 75–149 minutes weekly lowered overall mortality by 19–25%. Those who exercised even more saw additional but smaller benefits, with no evidence of harm.

(https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.121.058162)

Myth 4: Cold Weather Has No Impact on Heart Attack Risk
Fact: A 1992 study in the International Journal of Sports Medicine found that cold exposure causes blood vessels to constrict and increases heart rate and blood pressure, raising cardiac workload. Epidemiological data show higher mortality from ischemic heart disease during winter, though heatwaves can also increase deaths. While individuals with normal heart function remain largely unaffected, those with pre-existing heart conditions may experience significant strain in cold conditions, especially when engaging in physical activity.

(https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/journals?query=*&sort=TITLE_ALPHA_ASC)

Myth 5: Skipping Meals Has No Impact on Heart Health
Fact: Meal timing influences cardiovascular risk. A 2023 Nature Communications study found that eating the first meal of the day later than 9 AM and the last meal after 9 PM was associated with a higher risk of heart disease. The study, involving 103,389 participants, revealed that delaying breakfast correlated with increased cardiovascular risk, particularly in women. Additionally, each additional hour of delayed dinner increased the risk of cerebrovascular disease by 8%.

The findings suggest that an earlier meal schedule, coupled with a longer overnight fasting period, may benefit heart health.

(https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-43444-3.pdf)

Myth 6: Jogging Has No Impact on Cholesterol Levels
Fact: A 2021 study in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that jogging significantly reduces triglycerides and improves cholesterol balance. The study analyzed 27,735 participants and found that regular jogging (30 minutes, three times per week) was linked to:

• Lower triglycerides
• Lower triglyceride-to-HDL cholesterol ratio
• Higher levels of HDL ("good" cholesterol)

While jogging is particularly effective, other activities such as swimming, dancing, and cycling were also associated with improved cholesterol profiles.

(https://jissn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12970-021-00436-2)

Myth 7: Sleep Hygiene Does Not Influence Heart Attack Risk
Fact: Irregular sleep patterns may contribute to atherosclerosis, a condition linked to coronary artery disease. A 2023 study in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that variations in sleep duration of more than two hours were associated with a higher coronary artery calcium burden. Sleep timing was also crucial—participants with irregular sleep schedules (variations of more than 90 minutes) showed increased plaque buildup in their arteries.

The study suggests that improving sleep regularity could be a modifiable risk factor for reducing heart disease.

(https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1161/JAHA.122.027361?download=true)

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Dr. Bart, a private consultant cardiologist, provides expert consultations at several highly regarded clinics, including Sarum Road Hospital in Winchester, Candover Clinic in Basingstoke, Spire Clare Park Hospital in Farnham, and a London location. He specialises in advising private cardiology patients on the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease, offering personalized strategies to enhance heart health through lifestyle modifications, including exercise.