In this post, we’ll help you separate fact from fiction by addressing four myths about heart health. Then, we’ll show you a great quiz to test your heart knowledge.
1. To reduce the risk of heart disease, non-drinkers should begin drinking red wine.
No! According to a report in WebMd, the American Heart Association recommends limiting alcohol intake to no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink for women if you already drink alcohol. Non-drinkers are not encouraged to begin drinking because alcohol can increase the risk of high blood pressure, obesity, and stroke.
2. If you think you’re having a heart attack, you should lie down.
No! If you think you’re having a heart attack, you should dial 911 immediately, rather than wait to see if you feel better. Emergency medical services personnel are equipped to treat or resuscitate you if your heart stops en route, and studies have shown that heart attack patients generally receive faster treatment when they’re transported by ambulance and the hospital is anticipating their arrival. Click here for the 7 symptoms of a heart attack in men and women.
3. Heart disease is the Number 2 killer of women in the United States, behind breast cancer.
No! Heart disease is the Number 1 killer of women in the United States, killing more women than all forms of cancer combined! One in four women dies of heart disease, while one in 30 dies of breast cancer.
4. There is no such thing as “Broken Heart Syndrome.”
Wrong! “Broken Heart Syndrome” is a term used to describe a type of heart problem that’s often brought on by grief or emotional stress. Traumatic events can trigger the sympathetic nervous system, and the sudden flood of chemicals, including adrenaline, can stun the heart muscle, leaving it temporarily unable to pump properly.
Want more information about your heart? Test your knowledge and learn more by taking WebMd’s 15-question quiz, “Myths and Facts about your Heart Health.”
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