5 Heart Disease Myths You Shouldn’t Believe

Plenty of people are talking about heart disease these days. But it’s not always easy to sort through the chatter or separate fact from fiction.

Cardiologist Luke Laffin, MD, is here to help. Dr. Laffin debunks five common misconceptions about heart disease and sheds light on the truth.

Myth #1: Heart disease mostly affects men

People commonly view heart disease as a “man’s disease,” and one that women don’t really have to worry about.

Fact: Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death for men and women, both in the U.S. and around the world.

“Heart disease doesn’t discriminate based on your sex,” Dr. Laffin states. “And women have unique risk factors, like menopause, use of oral contraceptive therapy and certain pregnancy complications.”

He adds that it’s often hard for women to prioritize their heart health. “They’re often raising kids, caring for aging parents and holding down a job,” he observes. “So, what time is left for them? Their health often goes on the back burner.”

Being aware of your risk for heart disease is the first step toward taking action to protect your heart. Dr. Laffin advises talking to a primary care provider about your risk factors. They may refer you to a cardiologist, especially if your risks are more complex.

Myth #2: Only older people need to worry about heart disease

Many people think heart disease is a problem that only affects older adults.

Fact: Heart disease can — and does — affect adults in their 20s, 30s and 40s.

“It’s true that getting older is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease,” Dr. Laffin clarifies. “And all things being equal, a 70-year-old is much more likely to have a heart attack or stroke than a 40-year-old. That being said, all sorts of heart and blood vessel problems occur in people who are in their 30s or 40s.”

The reason? It often comes down to your genes. You might inherit genes that raise your cholesterol or predispose you to high blood pressure. These major heart disease risk factors can start developing at a young age, often without you even realizing it.

Dr. Laffin notes that adults 50 and older often see their healthcare provider on a regular basis. But the same can’t be said for their kids or grandkids.

“It’s really important for people of all ages, including those under 50, to see a provider for routine checkups,” he emphasizes. “Get your blood work done, get your cholesterol checked. Younger people definitely do get heart disease, and you can stay one step ahead by knowing your numbers and your risk level.”

Myth #3: If heart disease runs in your family, you’ll develop it, too

Many people believe that if a close biological relative like a parent or sibling had heart disease, they’ll automatically get it, too — and there’s really nothing they can do about it.

Fact: There’s a lot you can do to lower your risk of heart disease, regardless of your family history.

“Your genes are not your destiny,” Dr. Laffin reassures. “We have decades of research showing that lifestyle interventions are a powerful foundation for reducing your heart disease risk.”

That means:

• Eating heart-healthy foods
• Aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week
• Quitting smoking
• Avoiding or limiting alcohol

But sometimes, your genes have an even louder say in the matter. When that happens, medications can help you have the final word.

“We have safe, effective medications that can manage heart disease risk factors,” Dr. Laffin shares. “These are often necessary on top of lifestyle changes for people with a strong family history.”

He adds that the earlier you start managing conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol, the less likely you are to develop dangerous plaque buildup in your arteries.

Myth #4: You’d know if something was wrong with your heart

Lots of people think their heart is fine if they don’t feel any symptoms.

Fact: Heart disease usually doesn’t cause symptoms until it’s more advanced.

“You may not have symptoms early on,” Dr. Laffin points out. “Coronary artery disease — the most common form of heart disease — typically develops slowly and gradually over time, as plaque builds up in your heart’s arteries.”

Sometimes, a heart attack or stroke is the first sign that something is wrong. Or you might develop leg pain from peripheral artery disease (PAD). People with plaque buildup in their heart often have it in their legs, and vice versa.

Ideally, you want to diagnose any heart or blood vessel issues before that plaque really starts to build up — and before you develop symptoms, like chest pain, or complications. An early diagnosis can help make treatment more effective and reduce your risk of more serious issues down the road.

“Key heart disease risk factors like high blood pressure and high cholesterol typically don’t have any symptoms,” Dr. Laffin says. “That’s why it’s so important to go to your primary care provider for yearly physicals and let them run some simple tests to keep an eye on things.”

Myth #5: Heart disease is just a normal part of aging

People often feel resigned to the idea that as they get older, they’ll develop heart disease.

Fact: Your heart disease risk goes up as you age, but that doesn’t mean heart issues are “normal” or guaranteed.

“There’s a nugget of truth to this one,” Dr. Laffin concedes. “Because our risk does go up with each year that passes. Still, heart disease isn’t normal. It’s a disease process. And you don’t have to accept it as your fate.”

While we can’t control the date on the calendar, we can do a lot to reduce our risk so heart disease is a possibility, not an inevitability.

“I see people in their late 80s or even their 90s who have a very high quality of life and a high level of aerobic fitness,” Dr. Laffin shares. “They’ve been proactive with physical activity, which I think probably plays the greatest role, and they take their medicines.”

He emphasizes that the older we get, the harder we must work to prevent heart disease. “It doesn’t have to be an obsession, but it has to be part of your daily routine,” he says.

He shares some ways you can combat the clock:

• See your provider for all routine checkups and tests.
• Take your medications as prescribed.
• Join a rec center or sign up for classes to keep physical activity engaging and social.
• See a registered dietitian to get heart-healthy advice appropriate for your age.

Final thoughts

Myths grow over time. They’re embedded in our culture and often shared among family and friends. As we trust those closest to us, we might accept what we hear as truth without questioning it. And social media posts, while often well-intentioned, can mislead.

Why does all this matter? Because believing the wrong ideas can be dangerous when it comes to your heart health.

“It’s important to communicate openly with your healthcare providers,” Dr. Laffin advocates. “Tell them what you’re hearing. They can answer questions and clear up confusion, so you’re armed with the correct information to prevent or manage heart disease.”