Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. At Matthews Internal Medicine, we focus on preventive medicine, meaning that we want to help our patients live healthier lives and avoid ailments just like this. To properly prevent heart disease, however, you need to be able to separate the myths from the facts. Fortunately, we can help you do just that. Let’s take a closer look at some of the biggest myths about heart disease.
It’s Fine That Blood Pressure Just Rises as You Get Older
Blood pressure often rises as you age, but that’s not just a part of aging that you should accept as an inevitability. Yes, your artery walls become more stiff with age and cause the heart to pump harder, but that’s even more reason to take precautions and change your lifestyle to a healthier one that could help you lower your blood pressure. High blood pressure still increases your risk of heart attack and stroke, even if you just use age as an excuse.
Vitamins and Supplements Will Lower My Heart Disease Risk
Foods rich in vitamins C, E, and beta carotene can all help lower your heart disease risk, but you’re better off getting these nutrients from food. Studies have shown that this is how you absorb the nutrients best. Supplements and vitamins just don’t seem to be as effective, so a healthy diet is a must and you can’t simply eat what you want and take supplements later.
I’m a Woman. Heart Disease is a Bigger Problem for Men
This is a big misconception, and possibly a deadly one. Heart diseases is the leading killer of both men and women over the age of 65. Heart disease prevention needs to be a priority regardless of your gender.
I’ve Smoked for Too Long, So Quitting Won’t Help Now
No matter how long you’ve smoked or how much you smoke each day, quitting smoking provides immediate health benefits. Even if you’ve smoked for years, your heart attack risk can drop dramatically only one year after quitting. Our office can help you with smoking cessation programs, and the sooner you quit the better.
All I Need is a Cholesterol Reducing Drop
Just because you’re on a drug that reduces cholesterol levels, that doesn’t mean that you have free reign to eat whatever you want. Levels of cholesterol in your blood can still rise based on what you eat even as your medication reduces how much cholesterol is produced by your liver.
I’ve Been Diagnosed with Heart Disease, So I Should Relax
We understand that people are cautious once they’ve been diagnosed with heart disease, but being too cautious can actually be deadly. You can’t just take it easy. You need exercise, which can help make your heart stronger while helping you avoid more debilitating issues like blood clots in your legs. As an added benefit, frequent exercise can improve blood flow to the brain and other organs, which makes you feel better overall. We can help you create a safe exercise program.
Your Heart Disease Prevention Experts in Matthews, NC
If you’re trying to live a healthier lifestyle and avoid ailments like heart disease, our internists can help. Check out our website to make an appointment or call us today, and the preventative care experts here at Matthews Internal Medicine will help you get on the path to living a healthier life.