The heart is a critical bodily organ, and as a result, problems with it can present serious health risks for patients. Unfortunately, heart disease is a fairly common condition that can have dire health complications for individuals. Sadly, there is much misinformation about heart disease that can cause patients to make mistakes when evaluating their treatment options. After you learn about the following two myths, you will be in a better position to address this serious health problem.
Myth: Heart Disease Is Only Caused By Being Overweight
Many patients may be unsure of the various causes for heart disease, which can lead them to assume that this problem is only for individuals that are overweight. While being overweight can be a major contributing factor to developing this disease, there are other issues that can also play roles. For example, some individuals may be genetically predisposed to developing this condition while others may increase their risks through smoking or failing to get adequate amounts of exercise. The risks can be unique for each patient due to their medical history and lifestyle, which means that you should speak with your doctor about your unique risk factors.
Myth: You Can Reverse Heart Disease Through Diet And Exercise
While watching your weight and making sure to receive regular cardiovascular exercise can be critical steps in treating mild heart disease, it should be noted that this may not be a viable option for every patient. Some individuals may be suffering from particularly advanced heart disease. When this is the case, exercise may contribute to the patient experiencing cardiac arrest. This occurs because this condition can cause the arteries leading to the heart to become clogged, which may inhibit the flow of blood.
When this is the case, it may be necessary for the patient to undergo surgery. During a surgical procedure, the doctor will be able to insert a stent into the artery to help prevent it from becoming clogged. Additionally, these patients may be required to start taking prescription medications to further help reduce stress on their heart while it heals.
Developing heart disease can be a stressful experience due to the serious risks that it can pose. For those that have limited experience with this condition, it can be easy to assume that a couple of routine misconceptions about this disease are true. Knowing that being overweight is not the only factor that can cause you to develop this condition and the treatment options that are available will help you to be a more informed heart patient so that you get the correct heart disease treatment.
