August 22, 2025
An estimated 127.9 million adults in the United States have some form of cardiovascular disease. But you don’t need to wait for symptoms to appear. You can, and should, start caring for your heart health now. Get the truth behind these common myths to help guide you.
Myth 1: “I’m too young to worry about heart disease."
Fact: Heart disease can begin developing in childhood. Lifestyle choices made early in life significantly impact heart health later.
Myth 2: “I’d know if I had high blood pressure.”
Fact: High blood pressure is often called a silent killer because it usually has no symptoms.
Myth 3: “Heart attacks always come with chest pain.”
Fact: Not all heart attacks involve chest pain. Symptoms can include nausea, shortness of breath, jaw or back pain and fatigue – especially in women.
Myth 4: “Heart disease only affects men.”
Fact: Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. Over 60 million women in the United States are living with some form of heart disease.
Myth 5: “If I’m on cholesterol medication, I can eat anything.”
Fact: Statins help, but diet still plays a crucial role in managing cholesterol and overall heart health.
Myth 6: “Heart disease runs in my family, so I can’t do anything about it.”
Fact: Genetics play a role, but lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk.
Myth 7: “All fat is bad for your heart.”
Fact: Your heart needs healthy fats! Avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil and fatty fish, like salmon, provide omega-3s that help lower inflammation and support heart health.
Myth 8: “I don’t add salt to my food, so I can’t be eating too much sodium.”
Fact: Over 75% of the sodium people in the US consume is estimated to come from processed foods and ready meals – not the saltshaker. That’s why it’s important to compare nutrition labels and serving sizes.
Myth 9: “Diabetes won't harm my heart if I take my medication.”
Fact: Even if blood sugar is controlled with medication, people with diabetes are at a higher risk for heart disease. Many people consume more sugar than they realize. Added sugars contribute no nutritional benefit but often many added calories. The daily sugar limit for an average man is 9 teaspoons or 36 grams and for an average woman it's 6 teaspoons or 25 grams.
Myth 10: “If I have heart disease, I should avoid exercise.”
Fact: Regular physical activity (under medical guidance) is essential for heart health – even for those with heart disease.
To get personalized recommendations and see your current risk of heart disease, take our heart quiz.