Six misconceptions about heart disease

In recent years, there’s been much effort to publicize the importance of taking care of your heart to prevent the dangers of cardiovascular disease. Yet there are still some misconceptions about heart disease. Here are six of the most common misconceptions with clarification from the American Heart Association.

I’m too young to worry about heart disease.
Heart disease is not exclusively a senior citizen issue. Even young and middle-aged people are dealing with this condition. The important thing to remember is that the way you live your life right now, no matter what age you are, is going to affect your heart disease risk in the future. Even children can begin to accumulate plaque in their arteries that will clog those arteries in the years to come. A healthy diet and lifestyle now means fewer issues in the future. So even if you haven’t been diagnosed with heart disease, you need to be taking steps to avoid future problems.

Heart disease runs in my family so there is nothing I can do about it.
Although a family history of heart disease increases risk, there are still ways to effectively reduce the chances of having heart disease. Stopping smoking, eating healthy, keeping your cholesterol in check, controlling your blood sugar and maintaining a healthy weight are just some of the ways to lower your chances of having a heart attack like your dad. The situation is not beyond your control. Work with your doctor to keep your heart strong and healthy.

I have heart disease so I need to take it easy so I don’t have a heart attack.
There is a reason that patients are encouraged to undergo a rigorous period of physical therapy following a heart attack. Moderate activity is safe and can help strengthen your heart. Heart disease does not give you an excuse to become a couch potato. Being sedentary will lead to a decline in your overall physical condition as well as weaken your heart. When you are active, your heart muscle gets stronger and pumps needed blood to your brain and organs to keep them healthy. About two and a half hours a week of moderate activity is recommended for everyone, including people with heart disease. Start with a physical therapist who can provide guidance about the most effective and safest forms of exercise.

I can feel my heart beating really hard in my chest so I must be having a heart attack.
When you are being active, your heart will beat more rapidly because it is doing its job. Your heart gets pumping when you are active and slows down when you crawl into bed at night. This variation is normal and in most cases, it is not a cause for worry. When the heart beat is frequently irregular, it can be a sign of arrhythmia. This is not a heart attack but if it begins to affect your quality of life, there are treatment options.

I take several pills so I don’t need to worry about heart disease.
If you take a cholesterol lowering medication, it is not a permit to eat unhealthy food. Cholesterol in your blood comes from certain foods and from your liver. Medications can reduce the amount of cholesterol made by your liver but not the amount from foods you eat. If you take the medications but eat high cholesterol foods, you will have high cholesterol levels in your blood which can lead to heart disease.

I had my heart fixed so I don’t have to be concerned about heart disease.
Having an angioplasty, stents or bypass surgery can do wonders for your heart but it is not fixed. If you return to the same diet and sedentary lifestyle, your arteries will continue to become clogged. It is important to adopt a healthier lifestyle after these procedures to reduce risk of future heart issues.

Have a recovery plan
After a heart attack or cardiac procedure, it is best to have a recovery plan. There are ways to combat heart disease but it can be challenging to do on your own. That’s why you should consider the post-hospital cardiac rehabilitation program at Glenview Terrace. Since no two cardiac episodes are the same, an individualized cardiac platform is developed for each guest that addresses specific needs. Customized physical, occupational and respiratory therapies are offered on a regular basis as needed seven days a week. Dietitians and wellness coaches work with guests to discover lifestyle changes for better health. All of this care is under the leadership of cardiologist Dr. Eileen Kelly, the Medical Director of Glenview Terrace’s Cardiac Care Program. Dr. Kelly is board certified in cardiovascular disease and  specializes in congestive heart failure, coronary disease, preventive cardiology and has expertise in women’s health research.

This targeted care is offered in elegant surroundings by an expertly trained team who is dedicated to deliver the highest standards of customer service and clinical care. Glenview Terrace guests receive extra-special attention including morning delivery of coffee and newspaper to your room and an array of leisure and social activities.

For outstanding post-hospital care after a cardiac event, consider Glenview Terrace, where the goal is always to help get you back to the independent lifestyle you desire. For additional information or to arrange a tour, visit glenviewterrace.com or call 847-729-9090.