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Despite countless awareness campaigns and medical advances, heart health myths refuse to die down. Many people still associate heart disease only with men or believe that an active lifestyle completely protects them from risk. In fact, the truth is much more nuanced.
To separate fact from fiction, Dr. Evan Levin, a board-certified cardiologist with over 30 years of experience, shared 5 persistent myths about heart disease in his Oct. 10 Instagram post. (Also read: Max Hospital cardiologist explains why feeling ‘just gas’ can be an early sign of a silent heart attack ,
1. Taking aspirin a day will not cause a heart attack
“Now, for most people with undiagnosed coronary disease, this is simply not true,” Dr. Levin said. “Especially in people over 70, this is not only not helpful but also harmful. It increases the risk of bleeding.”
2. Vitamin D reduces the risk of heart attack
“Again, absolutely not true,” he clarified. “Studies show that low vitamin D is associated with heart disease, but taking supplements does not reduce the risk.”
Dr. Levin also cautions against the growing trend of gummy supplements, saying, “Stay away from gummies that often contain a teaspoon of sugar in each serving or, worse, contain substances like erythritol. An NIH-funded Cleveland Clinic study shows that erythritol may be associated with a higher risk of stroke and heart attack.”
3. Blood pressure of 130 is normal and safe
“Not true,” said Dr. Levin. “According to two major studies, SPRINT and another study conducted in China, the ideal blood pressure for most people should be closer to 120.”
4. CoQ10 supplements are good for the heart
“They sell this stuff on TV, but again, it’s a big lie,” he said. “While some people think it helps reduce aches and pains from statins, others think it’s more of a placebo effect. Coenzyme Q10 is not associated with better cardiovascular outcomes.”
5. High LDL cholesterol comes from a bad diet
“This is a lie,” Dr. Levin insisted. “At these levels it is genetic and not your fault. In most cases, you should start aggressive cholesterol-lowering medications.”
Dr. Levin concluded his message by reminding us that understanding the facts, not following trends, is key to protecting heart health. “I hope this helps,” he concluded.
Note to readers: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
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