Heart disease is the biggest killer of men and women in the United States
. As one of the most important organs in the body many people take more care of their car than they do their heart. The heart has been used as a magical and mystical symbol throughout history. There are many widely held beliefs and myths about heart disease that can in many cases endanger your life. As they say true knowledge is power. With knowledge you can make better decisions and this is very true about this disease.
Below are 3 common myths:
Myth One: After a heart attack your days are numbered
There is the belief that people who have a heart attack will not survive for very long after their first attack. However, clear evidence shows this is not the case. There have been many situations of people who have suffered and survived massive heart attacks and after proper rehabilitation have gone on to lead normal lives. A greater understanding of the disease has enabled the medical world to devise programs that help people survive and lead a normal life.
Myth Two: With exercise if there is no pain there is no gain
In the past this statement was broadcasted by physical experts who were either misinformed or did not know any better. This type of exercise is fine and very effective for improving your cardiovascular system for people who are already fit and do not have any health conditions and problems. However, when it comes to a person who is recovering from a heart attack or who has heart disease this is bad advice. To lower your risk of heart disease does not require intensive exercise. What it requires is being physically active throughout the day. This physical activity should be light and not intensive. In simply terms it means keep moving and stay away from the couch as much as possible.
Myth Three: Marathon runners never get heart disease
Many of the major cities in the world from New York, London and Tokyo have a marathon each year. Many people believe you have to be super fit to do it, and you definitely do. However, this belief that because youre so fit you are immune to heart disease is dispelled every year with very fit runners collapsing and in some cases dying of heart attacks as they take part in these marathons. When it comes to heart disease very fit does not mean you are healthy as the disease is caused by a number of factors.