Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a disease that affects the heart. Many factors that can contribute to developing or feeding CVD include an unhealthy diet, obesity, lack of exercise, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and smoking. This disease can cause heart attacks, strokes, chest pain, and possibly death. There are many ways to prevent it, but many people say and believe false things. Let’s look at a few:
MYTH: Only older people get CVD.
This myth was disproved by multiple cases of younger people getting CVD. Although hereditary, getting it is usually based on how you take care of your body. A bad diet can cause plaque to form and clog your arteries, leading to CVD.
MYTH: You don’t have a CVD if you don’t have the symptoms.
People may have symptoms, but it is not uncommon to not realize the signs of CVD. If you are on the verge of a heart attack,you could feel slight pain or discomfort in your arm, neck, or jaw. Nausea, shortness of breath, and lightheadedness are also symptoms that most people would not associate with a heart attack. CVD is one reason why heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Be aware of the signs and call 911 if you are unsure that you have a heart attack.
MYTH: You can’t prevent CVD if it runs in your family.
That is untrue. You are at higher risk of CVD if it does run in your family, but that does not mean you cannot prevent it. You can reduce the risk if you take care of your body and heart or eat healthier, exercise more, and maintain a healthy weight. A crucial way to reduce the risk is to quit smoking. A way to stay healthy and lower the risk of CVD is to create a plan to improve yourself.
MYTH: Leg pain is a sign of aging to growth spurts.
That is a common misconception; while getting leg pain can result from aging or other natural things, it can also indicate heart disease. Leg pain could be a symptom since arteries run throughout your body, especially your legs. This specific leg pain,sensible in muscles, is called peripheral artery disease which links to CVD. Be aware of the signs and symptoms so that you know what may be causing them.
CVD can develop at any age with many or few symptoms. There are many sources at your doctors’ office or on the internet that can help you become familiar with the signs and find ways to lower your risk of getting this disease as well.
References
“Top 10 Myths About Cardiovascular Disease.” Www.Heart.Org, www.heart.org/en/health-topics/consumer-healthcare/what-is-cardiovascular-disease/top-10-myths-about-cardiovascular-disease. Accessed 8 Feb. 2021.
“NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms.” National Cancer Institute, www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/cardiovascular-disease. Accessed 8 Feb. 2021.