Fact or Myth: Better Understanding Heart Disease

We all know that heart disease is incredibly common, and that it is the leading cause of death for adults in the US. But there’s also a lot about the condition that many people don’t know, or at least don’t fully understand. Heart disease is complex and can affect different people in different ways. That’s why it’s so important to get your information on the subject from a trusted source, like the expert healthcare providers here at Abraham Family Medicine. In honor of American Heart Month this February, we thought it would be appropriate to separate fact from fiction when it comes to a few common statements about heart disease.

Heart Disease Only Affects Older People

This is a myth. The truth is that young and middle-aged people can also develop heart issues including cardiovascular disease, especially as related health conditions like obesity and Type 2 diabetes become more prevalent among younger people. Additionally, lifestyle choices that a person makes when they are younger can drastically affect their risk of developing heart disease later in life. Plaque can start building up in the arteries as early as childhood and adolescence.

A Heart Attack Can Occur Even Without Certain Common Symptoms

This is true. Not every heart attack is the same. While we commonly associate certain symptoms like chest pain and discomfort, there is such a thing as a heart attack with more mild or subtle symptoms. This can include difficulty breathing, feeling nauseous or lightheaded, and pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the jaw, neck, or back. If you experience these symptoms, seek medical assistance at once in order to be safe.

A Family History of Heart Disease Means I Will Definitely Develop It

This is a myth. While it is true that having a parent or sibling with heart issues can increase a person’s risk of heart disease, coronary artery disease (the most common form of heart disease) is more linked to a person’s lifestyle than any genetic factors. Heart disease can be prevented by modeling heart-healthy behaviors like eating healthy, exercising, and not smoking. Even for people with a family history of the condition. Having a family history of heart disease does mean a person should be more vigilant and proactive when it comes to their heart health.

Heart health is no laughing matter and our hope is that our readers will take this information seriously and do what they can to promote heart health and wellness as the year goes on. This includes scheduling an annual wellness check-up with your healthcare provider to discuss what you can do to improve the state of your heart health. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Abraham Family Medicine. Our office is located in Snellville, not far from Grayson, Dacula, and Lilburn.