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Nation Next special: On the occasion of World Heart Day on September 29, Dr Chetan Rathi busts some myths and states some facts about heart disease.

Myth 1: Heart disease only affects older people 

Fact: 22% of all disability-adjusted life years (or years of healthy life lost) in people aged 15 to 49 years are due to cardiovascular disease. Lifestyle choices made during childhood and adolescence affect cardiovascular risk later in life. 

Myth 2: If I have high blood pressure, I will have obvious symptoms

Fact: Majority of people with hypertension do not show any symptoms. Occasionally, hypertension causes symptoms such as headache, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, heart palpitations and nosebleeds, but not always. 

Myth 3: Heart disease runs in the family, so there’s nothing I can do about it 

Fact: Genetic conditions do play some role in high blood pressure, heart disease and other related conditions. The risk of heart of heart disease can increase further when hereditary factors combined with unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as smoking and an unhealthy diet. 

Myth 4: I am less likely to develop heart disease if I am active, eat well and don’t smoke (True, but…)

Fact: It is true that healthy lifestyle is one of the most effective measures in preventing cardiovascular disease. However, we must also bear in mind that there are other less known cardiovascular risk factors such as air pollution, that have an impact on individuals likelihood of developing CVD 

Myth 5: Having diabetes doesn’t mean I have a higher chance of developing heart disease

Fact: CVD is the primary cause of death in all patients with diabetes. Diabetes was recognised as a CVD risk factor very early. Moreover, diabetes was consistently found to be a stronger risk factor for CVD in women than men.