The heart works non-stop, but how much do you know about it? The heart is a muscular organ that sits in the chest, between the lungs. It is the size of a clenched fist, and it beats around 100,000 times a day! The heart’s job is to pump blood around the body to deliver oxygen and nutrients to your cells. It also receives blood returning from the body, which carries waste products such as carbon dioxide.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is an umbrella term for conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels (arteries and veins). It includes conditions such as heart attacks, strokes and arrhythmias. According to the World Health Organisation, CVD is the leading cause of death worldwide. In 2022, 19.8 million people died from CVD, making up 32% of all deaths globally.
Despite how common CVD is, many of us know very little about its causes and symptoms. This can make it difficult to recognise the warning signs and take early action. World Heart Day takes place every year on 29th September and aims to raise awareness about CVD. This year’s campaign is “Don't Miss a Beat”, highlighting the overlooked signs and encouraging people to make small changes to reduce their chances of developing CVD.
With that in mind, let's tackle three common myths about CVD and heart health.
Myth 1: A heart attack, cardiac arrest and heart failure are the same condition
Although these terms sound similar, they describe very different problems. Understanding the difference can help you respond appropriately in an emergency.
Heart attack
A heart attack (also called a myocardial infarction) occurs when the blood supply to the heart becomes blocked. The most common cause is atherosclerosis, which is the build-up of fatty deposits (known as plaques) inside the arteries. If a plaque ruptures a blood clot can form, which restricts blood flow. Without enough oxygen, the cells in the affected area become damaged, causing symptoms such as chest pain and discomfort. If you think someone is experiencing a heart attack, call the emergency services immediately.
Cardiac arrest
Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood around the body. This is usually caused by a problem with the heart’s electrical system, which causes the heart to beat in an abnormal rhythm. Someone experiencing a cardiac arrest will suddenly collapse and become unresponsive. If you think someone is experiencing a cardiac arrest, call the emergency services immediately and begin CPR while waiting for help to arrive.
Heart failure
Heart failure occurs when the heart is no longer able to pump enough blood around the body to meet its needs. This can happen because the heart muscle becomes too weak or too stiff. As a result, the body may not receive enough oxygen and fluid can build up. This causes swelling in the feet and ankles. Heart failure is usually a long-term condition rather than a sudden event like a heart attack or cardiac arrest.
A simple way to think about it is that a heart attack is a blood flow problem, cardiac arrest is an electrical problem, and heart failure is a pumping problem.
Myth 2: Heart attack symptoms are exactly the same for men and women
The most common symptoms for a heart attack are the same for both men and women. These include:
• chest pain or discomfort
• shortness of breath
• upper body pain or discomfort (specifically in the arms, shoulders, back, neck or jaw)
• feeling light-headed.
However, symptoms can vary between individuals and by sex. Women are more likely to experience symptoms such as extreme fatigue, unexplained anxiety and nausea.
This distinction is important because the stereotype of a heart attack as an obvious, dramatic event can mean people don't recognise less typical symptoms and delay seeking help.
Myth 3: Regular exercise is enough to protect you from cardiovascular disease
Exercise is incredibly important for heart health, but it isn't a magic shield. The World Health Organization recommends that adults do a mix of aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities, as regular physical activity can reduce the risk of CVD. But diet also plays a big role, and our eating habits may be increasing our risk without realising it.
Salt
It is recommended that adults eat no more than 5g of salt per day, roughly one teaspoon. Eating too much salt increases blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for CVD. Sodium, one of the main components of salt, occurs naturally in foods such as milk and shellfish and is also added to many processed foods, including bread and processed meats. So, it is easy to eat too much salt without even realising.
Cholesterol
Cholesterol itself isn't inherently bad. Your body needs it to perform important functions, such as making hormones and building cells. However, having too much cholesterol in the blood can lead to atherosclerosis (fatty plaques in the arteries), which increases the risk of CVD. Replacing foods high in saturated fats, such as fatty meats and high-fat dairy products, with sources of unsaturated fats such as oily fish and vegetable oils can help reduce cholesterol levels in the blood.
Looking after your heart is about prevention as much as it is about recognising symptoms. So, taking small steps to protect your heart before problems arise can make a meaningful difference.
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