Heart disease continues to be one of the leading causes of death worldwide, yet several misconceptions still surround this critical health issue. These myths can prevent people from getting the care they need and may delay early diagnosis or life-saving treatments.

At Heartbeat Foundation, we believe that the first step toward prevention is awareness. Let’s bust some of the most common myths about heart disease and reveal the facts you need to know.

Myth 1: Heart Disease Only Affects Older People
Fact: While age is a risk factor, heart disease can affect young adults and even teenagers. Sedentary lifestyles, poor diet, stress, and genetic predisposition are putting younger populations at risk.

Myth 2: If You’re Fit and Exercise Regularly, You Won’t Get Heart Disease
Fact: While staying active is important, it doesn’t make you immune to heart conditions. People with ideal body weight and fitness levels have still suffered from heart attacks, especially due to undiagnosed genetic risks or silent hypertension.

Myth 3: Chest Pain Is the Only Symptom of Heart Disease
Fact: Many heart issues present without chest pain. Fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, jaw or back pain, and nausea are other symptoms that are often overlooked — especially in women.

Myth 4: Women Don’t Need to Worry About Heart Disease
Fact: Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women globally. However, women’s symptoms are often more subtle and atypical, leading to underdiagnosis and delayed treatment.

Myth 5: If You Have No Symptoms, Your Heart Must Be Healthy
Fact: High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and early-stage atherosclerosis can develop silently. Routine screenings like ECG, lipid profile, and blood sugar level are critical — even if you feel fine and needed to be screened.

Myth 6: Heart Disease Is Mostly Genetic, So Lifestyle Changes Won’t Help
Fact: While genetics do play a role, lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, alcohol intake, and stress management significantly influence heart health. In fact, lifestyle modifications can cut heart disease risk by more than 50%. There is a close association between genetics and epigenetics.

Myth 7: Heart Disease Is a Man’s Problem
Fact:  No doubt that women have an estrogenic hormonal shield but it is not foolproof in the presence of genetic and lifestyle shortfalls. This dangerous myth leads to a lack of awareness in women. Women may experience symptoms differently, but they are equally — if not more — vulnerable to heart conditions, especially post-menopause.

Myth 8: A Normal ECG Means Your Heart Is Fine
Fact: An ECG is just one tool. It may not detect intermittent arrhythmias or early-stage heart attack. Your doctor may recommend further tests like an echocardiogram, Holter monitor, or blood tests to get a complete picture along with clinical examination which is vital for making any conclusions.

Why These Myths Matter
Believing in these misconceptions can lead to:
– Delayed diagnosis
– Ignored warning signs
– Missed screenings
– Poor lifestyle choices

Awareness leads to early detection and prevention. Whether it’s recognizing atypical symptoms, getting regular checkups, or understanding your family history, informed decisions can save lives.

How Heartbeat Foundation aims to Spread Awareness?
We plan to conduct regular workshops, school and college sessions, ECG screening camps, and community education drives to help bust these myths and promote accurate heart health knowledge across all age groups in near future.

Conclusion
When it comes to your heart, don’t rely on hearsay. Educate yourself with evidence-based information and talk to healthcare professionals. Dispelling these myths can empower you and your loved ones to take proactive steps toward heart health.