Relying on false assumptions can be dangerous to your heart. Cardiovascular disease kills more Americans each year than any other disease. But you can boost your heart smarts by separating fact from fiction. Let's set the record straight on some common myths.
Myth #7."Heart failure means the heart stops beating."
The heart suddenly stops beating during cardiac arrest, not heart failure. With heart failure, the heart keeps working, but it doesn't pump blood as well as it should. It can cause shortness of breath, swelling in the feet and ankles or persistent coughing and wheezing. During cardiac arrest, a person loses consciousness and stops normal breathing.
Myth #8."This pain in my legs must be a sign of aging. I'm sure it has nothing to do with my heart."
Leg pain felt in the muscles could be a sign of a condition called peripheral artery disease. PAD results from blocked arteries in the legs caused by plaque buildup. The risk for heart attack or stroke increases five-fold for people with PAD.
PAD is a narrowing of the peripheral arteries, most commonly in the arteries of the pelvis and legs. PAD is similar to coronary artery disease (CAD) and carotid artery disease. All three of these conditions are caused by narrowed and blocked arteries in various critical regions of the body. Hardened arteries in the coronary artery region, restricts the blood supply to the heart muscle. Carotid artery disease refers to hardened arteries in the arteries that supply blood to the brainn.
The most common symptoms of PAD are cramping, pain or tiredness in the leg or hip muscles while walking or climbing stairs. Typically, this pain goes away with rest and returns when you walk again.
•Many people mistake the symptoms of PAD for something else.
•PAD often goes undiagnosed by healthcare professionals.
•People with peripheral arterial disease have four to five times more risk of heart attack or stroke.
•Left untreated, PAD can lead to gangrene and amputation.
Added risks for PAD:
•If you smoke, you have an especially high risk for PAD.
•If you have diabetes, you have an especially high risk for PAD.
•People with high blood pressure or high cholesterol are at risk for PAD.
The good news for PAD patients:
•PAD is easily diagnosed in a simple, painless way.
•You can take control by leading a heart-healthy lifestyle and following the recommendations of your healthcare professional.
•Most cases of PAD can be managed with lifestyle changes and medication.