What common heart health myths need to be debunked?
- Heart disease is a man’s problem
- You’re too young to worry about heart disease
- Chest pain is the only sign of a heart attack
- There’s nothing you can do to prevent a genetic heart disease
- You’ll know if you have high blood pressure because you’ll feel it
Overview
- Many heart health myths persist, increasing risks and delaying treatment. Heart disease affects both men and women, can strike young people, and doesn’t always present as chest pain.
- Genetics isn’t destiny—lifestyle changes help. High blood pressure is a silent threat.
- Perpetual Help Medical Center offers expert screenings and care for heart health.
Heart disease remains one of the leading health concerns worldwide—with an estimated rise of 91.2% between 2025 to 2050. Yet, many misconceptions about heart health persist, leading to delayed treatment, overlooked symptoms, and unnecessary risks.
It’s important to separate fact from fiction to promote better heart care. Thus, in this article, we’ll focus on heart health myths to debunk, shedding light on the truth behind common misconceptions and highlighting the steps everyone can take to protect their heart.
Heart Disease Is a Man’s Problem
Heart disease—like many other health issues—is often perceived as a predominantly male issue, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. This disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States. More women die from coronary artery disease each year compared to men, and women are less likely to survive their first heart attack.
This perception may exist because myocardial infarction (MI) — commonly known as heart attack—manifests about ten years later in women than in men. However, ischemic heart disease (IHD) — a condition where the heart muscle does not receive enough blood flow and oxygen, leading to damage or death of heart muscle cells—is the major killer of all individuals regardless of their gender.
Regular check-ups, heart-healthy habits, and recognizing early warning signs can significantly lower the risk. Understanding that heart disease is not just a “man’s problem” is the first step in protecting your heart.
You’re Too Young To Worry About Heart Disease
Another dangerous myth is that heart disease only affects older adults. In reality, more young people are experiencing heart problems than ever before. Research shows that one in five heart attack patients is under 40 years old, and between 2000 and 2016, the rate of heart attacks in this age group increased by 2% every year.
Several factors also contribute to this growing trend, including poor diet, lack of physical activity, high-stress levels, and increased rates of obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Many of these conditions develop silently, meaning that a person may not realize they are at risk until a serious event—like a heart attack—occurs.
Heart disease doesn’t wait for old age to develop, and prevention should start early. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, getting regular check-ups, and managing stress levels can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease, no matter your age.
Chest Pain Is the Only Sign of a Heart Attack
While chest discomfort is a common symptom, it’s not always present—especially in women. In some cases, individuals may experience a silent heart attack, where symptoms are mild or mistaken for other conditions.
Heart attack symptoms can vary widely. Instead of chest pain, some individuals may feel discomfort in the arm, shoulder, neck, jaw, or back. Others may experience shortness of breath, excessive sweating, dizziness, or sudden weakness.
Women, in particular, often have atypical symptoms such as unusual fatigue, sleep disturbances, feelings of anxiety, or indigestion. These subtle signs can be overlooked or mistaken for stress, acid reflux, or flu.
Understanding that chest pain isn’t the only indicator of a heart attack can help save lives. If you experience unexplained discomfort, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue, don’t ignore it. Seeking medical help early can make a crucial difference in preventing serious complications.
There’s Nothing You Can Do To Prevent a Genetic Heart Disease
If heart disease runs in your family, you might think that developing it is inevitable—but that’s not true. While genetics do influence certain aspects of your cardiovascular system, lifestyle choices play a significant role in determining your heart health. Even if you have a family history of heart disease, making healthy changes can dramatically lower your risk.
A 2016 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 50%, even in individuals with a genetic predisposition. Simple lifestyle modifications—such as avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, and eating nutritious foods—can make a major difference.
Your genes don’t have the final say when it comes to heart disease. By making proactive lifestyle choices, you can take control of your heart health and significantly lower your risk—no matter your family history.
You’ll Know if You Have High Blood Pressure Because You’ll Feel It
Many people assume they would know if they had high blood pressure based on how they feel. But the truth is, high blood pressure usually has no obvious symptoms, which is why it’s often called the “silent killer.”
In some cases, people with extremely high blood pressure (180/120 or higher) may experience severe headaches, chest pain, dizziness, or blurred vision. However, these symptoms typically don’t appear until the condition has reached a dangerous or life-threatening stage. An estimated 46% of adults with hypertension don’t even know they have it.
The only reliable way to detect high blood pressure is to get it checked regularly. Experts recommend having your blood pressure measured at least every two years starting at age 18. If you’re 40 or older—or younger but at high risk for hypertension—you should have it checked every year. Regular monitoring and early detection can help you take control of your health before complications arise.
Key Takeaway
There are many heart health myths to debunk, and believing in these misconceptions can put your health at risk. Taking charge of your heart health starts with knowing the facts. At Perpetual Help Medical Center – Las Piñas, we offer expert cardiac screenings, consultations, and personalized care to help you stay heart-healthy.
Schedule a check-up today and let our specialists guide you toward better heart health.