7 Heart Health Myths

By : | Comments Off on 7 Heart Health Myths | On : May 22, 2015 | Category : General Information

Heart disease continues to be the number one cause of death in the United States. Most of the deaths are preventable by diet and exercise.

Diet means low saturated fat and minimally processed foods not dietary supplements.

Here are seven heart health myths:

1. Taking Choline and Lecithin Supplements

Choline and lecithin are essential nutrients. They help metabolize cholesterol and fats. New research shows when obtaining choline and lecithin as supplements, the microbes in your digestive tract may covert them into trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO). TMAO has been shown in recent animal studies to clog arteries which can lead to a heart attack.

2. You Could Have High Blood Pressure Even If Your Doctor Says It is Normal

When was the last time your doctor checked your blood pressure in both arms? Never? What about placing the cuff on your bare arm and not over clothing? Join the club.

Usually, your blood pressure is checked in your left arm.

Most experts agree blood pressure should be checked in both arms. A difference of more than 10 points could indicate peripheral artery disease.

3. You Need To Take Blood Pressure Meditation Because Your Pressure Exceeded 140/90.

Does your doctor have you on blood pressure medications after one high reading? Experts advise checking your blood pressure several times to confirm persistent high blood pressure. Just visiting your doctor can elevate your blood pressure.

If you do have high blood pressure, before beginning blood pressure meditation, try lifestyle changes like

  • Diet (reduce sodium)
  • Exercise
  • Stress reduction

Only after all else fails should you begin taking blood pressure medicine. Taking blood pressure meds before confirming you have persistent high blood pressure and trying lifestyle changes can produce side effects instead of benefits.

4. Omega-3 Supplements Reduces Your Risk Of Heart Disease

Supplement manufacturers want your to believe there is relief in a bottle for everything imaginable.

There is evidence omega-3 fats from in fatty fish and nuts are good for your heart, but the latest research indicates obtaining omega-3 fats from supplements provides no benefits. Regardless of the claims on the bottle or in advertisements and websites, researchers found omega-3 supplement did not lower triglycerides or prevent heart attacks or strokes.

Take Away: Obtain nutrients from fresh foods not from supplements.

5.  Angioplasties Prevent Heart Attacks

Many hospitals perform angioplasties on people who come in a day after experiencing chest pain even after the American College of Cardiologists and the American Heart Association said back in 2006 that there was no benefit to this potentially risky procedure for people in this situation. Why do hospitals do it? Revenue!

It is the way the American healthcare system is set up. Pay for service. Even unnecessary services that place you at risk.

Take Away: Currently, there are no incentives to reduce or eliminate unnecessary procedures as long as they are covered by insurance or the patient most pay for it. If you find yourself in this scenario, question the need for the procedure.

6. Z-Paks Are Safe Antibiotics

Research shows this popular antibiotic can increase the risk for heart related deaths within 5 days of starring this treatment.

7. Medication Can Control Diabetes

Having diabetes increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke by up to 4 times! To prevent diabetes:

  • Maintain normal weight
  • Reduce sugar consumption
  • Exercise