Blog Layout

Debunking Common Heart Health Myths and Misconceptions

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)


============================================================================



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.

Latest Technology and Heart Health: Wearables, Apps and Innovations
by Bartosz Olechowski 9 March 2025
As AI and wearable technologies continue to advance, their integration in routine clinical practice holds immense potential for improving cardiovascular health outcomes through early detection, personalized treatment, and more accurate diagnostics.
Smoking is associated with an increased cardiovascular risk. Vaping may also be associated with it.
by Bartosz Olechowski 22 February 2025
This article explores the evidence surrounding smoking and vaping in relation to cardiovascular disease, examining their physiological effects, mechanisms of harm, and potential benefits of smoking cessation.
Heart health advice for the Elderly.
by Bartosz Olechowski 14 February 2025
Common Heart Problems in the Elderly and Dr Bart`s and co-authors research article entitled: ‘Is cardiac resynchronisation therapy feasible, safe and beneficial in the very elderly?’ are described in this blog post.
Dr Bart Olechowski - private consultant cardiologist in Andover, Basingstoke, Farnham, London.
by Bartosz Olechowski 17 January 2025
The evidence supporting Omega-3 for heart health is not as convincing as initially thought, though not without promise, especially in a form of Icosapent Ethyl. Improving cardiovascular wellness appears to be mediated by reduction in triglycerides levels, which indeed are a risk factor for heart disease. However, the magnitude of these benefits can vary based on individual factors such as baseline risk and underlying past medical history. For individuals considering Omega-3 supplements, consulting a healthcare provider is essential to ensure appropriate use. Professionals like Dr Bart, with expertise in advanced diagnostic tests and personalised care, can guide patients toward optimal heart health. Ultimately, there are several valuable tools that can help in the fight against cardiovascular disease. The broader lifestyle changes and medical care is something that we would recommend.
Best Cardio Exercise for Heart Health. In this blog post we describe several interesting studies.
by Bartosz Olechowski 28 December 2024
Some forms of exercise are better than others. Aerobic activities, in particular, have been shown to be the best cardio exercises for improving heart health. It`s difficult to choose the best cardio exercise, as they provide cardiovascular benefit and protection. Individual preference, ability and age are the important determining factors. From Dr Bart`s experience it`s best to choose an exercise, which you truly enjoy, as it helps you to sustain it in a long term.
Early signs of a Heart Attack, blog post by Dr Bart Olechowski, Consultant Cardiologist in Hampshire
by Bartosz Olechowski 8 December 2024
Early signs of a Heart Attack and a link to a full article are included in this blog post.
Outdoor light and risk of Hypertension.
by Bartosz Olechowski 3 November 2024
Outdoor light and risk of Hypertension. Interesting data and findings.
Artificial Intelligence and a possibility of an early exclusion of Heart Attacks, new data published
by Bartosz Olechowski 26 October 2024
Can AI Algorithm rule out a diagnosis of a heart attack earlier than traditionally used pathways? New data was published in October 2024 in Lancet Digital Health.
Dr Bart Olechowski private consultant cardiologist.
by Bartosz Olechowski 19 October 2024
Regular Health Checkups reduce Blood Pressure and Cholesterol levels, according to a study published in 2022.
Heart Failure Risk Factors with research studies described below.
by Bartosz Olechowski 12 October 2024
Heart Failure - Risk Factors are research studies are described in this article.
More posts
Share by: