The heart may be the most-studied and talked about muscle in the human body.
What we eat, what we do, how we feel — it all can affect our heart. Our actions over time will determine our heart health. Will the caffeine habit or penchant for fast food lead to heart problems? Should everyone pop an aspirin a day?
Read the truth about some common heart health myths.
Myth 1: Red wine in moderation is good for your heart
Truth: There is no amount of alcohol, including red wine, that is good for your heart. Any benefit red wine may offer, such as antioxidants or helping to minimally lower bad cholesterol, is outweighed by the negative effect alcohol has on cardiovascular health.
Even one alcoholic drink a day can negatively affect your health. Regular alcohol consumption can raise your blood pressure and lead to heart failure, stroke, atrial fibrillation and other cardiovascular diseases.
Myth 2: Caffeine throws off your heart rhythm
Truth: While it’s true that too much caffeine can affect your heart rate, a moderate amount is unlikely to have the same effect.
One study found people who consistently drank more than 400 mg of caffeine a day (the amount in about 4 cups of coffee or 2 energy drinks) could have a higher risk for heart disease over time. Interestingly, a separate study found consuming a moderate amount of caffeine daily, 200-300 mg, was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
Myth 3: Avoid exercise because it’s too hard on your heart
Truth: Not only is regular exercise good for you, it makes your heart stronger and improves blood flow throughout the body. Regular exercise can lower cholesterol and blood pressure as well, improving your entire cardiovascular system.
For most adults, this means getting 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise like brisk walking, or 75 minutes of high-intensity exercise like running each week, in addition to two weekly sessions of strength training. Before you begin any new exercise plan, talk with your doctor about the best way to incorporate cardiovascular activity.
Myth 4: An aspirin a day keeps the cardiologist away
Truth: If your doctor hasn’t recommended taking a daily aspirin, doing so could lead to health problems. Aspirin is a blood thinner, which can increase the risk of stomach problems or internal bleeding. Doctors sometimes prescribe a daily aspirin for people who have had a heart attack or stroke because it can help prevent blood clots from forming. Always check with your doctor before starting medication.
Myth 5: Eliminating fat from your diet will keep your heart healthier
Truth: Not all fat is bad for your heart. Saturated fat, such as fried food, red meat and full-fat dairy, can increase your cholesterol which can lead to heart attack and stroke. But unsaturated fat — olive oil, nuts, seeds and fish — can boost “good” cholesterol and help lower the bad cholesterol.
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