Mercy Health—Paducah Debunks Top 5 Heart Health Myths

Health System Aims to Raise Awareness for American Heart Month

 

PADUCAH, KY (February 1, 2024) – Today marks the first day of American Heart Month, a time to focus on cardiovascular health. 

Cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke, is the number one killer of both men and women. However, people still don’t know as much about this vital organ as they should.

"When it comes to heart health, myths and misconceptions abound. Whether it's about who's most vulnerable or when potential issues may arise, false assumptions can cloud the truth," shared Dr. Anil Mani, MD. "It's crucial to debunk these myths for your well-being, as believing them can pose unseen risks to your heart health."

 

 Mercy Health – Paducah is setting the record straight on the top 5 most common misconceptions:

  • I’ll know when I’m having a heart attack because I’ll have chest pain.

    It’s important to realize that while chest pain is a common sign, other symptoms can be just as much of an indicator that you need immediate medical help – things like shortness of breath, nausea, feeling lightheaded, or pain in your arm. The bottom line is that if something feels off and you’re unsure, call 911. 

     

  • I’d know if I had high blood pressure because there would be warning signs. 

    High blood pressure is indeed a problem you want to know about – it can cause hardening and thickening of the arteries, which can result in a heart attack, stroke, or other complications. However, it’s known as the ‘silent killer’ for a reason. Most people don’t understand they have it until the damage is already done – all the more reason to know your numbers (which include blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, and body mass index).

     

  • I take medications for diabetes, to lower my cholesterol, or … fill in the blank … so, I’m all set.

    While medications are a helpful part of treatment, they’re not a cure or license to let loose. Your habits are crucial to staying healthy even when your numbers are under control. Eating poorly and physical inactivity can reduce the drug’s effectiveness and still put you at an increased risk for heart disease. 

     

  • If you have heart disease, you should take it easy. 

    This may be the most dangerous myth of all, as a sedentary lifestyle is one of our time's more serious public health problems. Sitting around too much can double your risk of cardiovascular diseases and increase the risk of high blood pressure. Increasing physical activity doesn’t mean you have to run a marathon. Any extra movement helps strengthen the heart muscle and improve blood flow, so talk to your provider today about developing an exercise plan that suits your needs and abilities.

     

  • If you have heart disease or a family history of heart disease, there’s nothing you can do about it.

Heart diseases are 80% preventable, so healthy behaviors can make a huge difference in keeping you healthy regardless of background. Even if you’ve already been diagnosed, the most important thing to remember is it’s never too late to treat or prevent heart disease. 

 

"Many heart diseases are indeed serious, but the good news is that they can be effectively managed with the right approach. Equipping yourself with knowledge, seeking guidance, and engaging in open conversations with your healthcare provider can pave the way towards a healthy and well-managed heart," emphasized Dr. Mani.

 

For more information about heart health & the treatment options available, visit mercy.com.   

 

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Mercy Health – Paducah is part of Bon Secours Mercy Health, one of the 20 largest health systems in the United States and the fifth-largest Catholic health system in the country. The ministry’s quality, compassionate care is provided by over 60,000 associates serving communities in Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, Ohio, South Carolina, Virginia, and throughout Ireland.  Mercy Health ensures easy access to safe, effective, timely, and cost-efficient care for every stage of life through a network of hospitals, nursing homes, retirement communities, and rehabilitation and outreach services. Consistent with its commitment to serving each patient with dignity, Bon Secours Mercy Health provides nearly $2 million per day in community benefit. To learn more, visit mercy.com.