Preventing heart disease starts with understanding your risk. But Northside Hospital Heart Institute cardiologist Dr. Venu Gourineni says many people believe myths about blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes that can put their health in danger.
“Most of the time, the heart disease stays silent for decades,” he said. Knowing your numbers — and the truth behind them — is critical.
Myth: Feeling fine means your blood pressure is normal.
High blood pressure often has no symptoms.
“I feel fine, so BP must be normal,” Dr. Gourineni said, describing what he hears from patients.
But that assumption can be dangerous. “People can feel just fine when the blood pressure is high,” he added. “Blood pressure is silent, and it’s dangerous if you don’t control it.”
Even occasional high readings shouldn’t be ignored.
Myth: Eating healthy means your cholesterol is normal.
Diet is important, but it’s not the only factor.
“Most of the time this applies, but remember, genetics also plays a role,” he said.
That’s why testing matters. “You have to know your number of bad cholesterol.”
Myth: Only sugar causes diabetes.
Diabetes risk is more complex than many people realize.
“There’s always a myth that only sugar intake causes diabetes,” Dr. Gourineni said.
Metabolism, lifestyle changes and weight all contribute. The good news is that small changes can make a difference.
“Even if you lose 10 pounds, you can get your diabetes to pre-diabetes,” he said.
Myth: Exercise must be intense to help your heart.
You don’t need extreme workouts to improve heart health.
“I encourage you to walk, walk, walk,” he said. “Even 7,000 steps are enough for a good heart.”
Consistency matters more than intensity.
Myth: Sleep and stress don’t affect heart health.
Both play a major role in prevention.
“The recommendation is at least seven hours of sleep a night,” Dr. Gourineni said. Chronic sleep loss increases your risk for heart problems, including A-fib.
Stress is also especially harmful. “Stress causes inflammation,” he added. “That is dangerous.”
Prevention starts with knowing your numbers.
Understanding eight key health numbers can help you take control of your heart health. Those numbers and goals include:
- Blood pressure: 130/80
- LDL cholesterol: Lower is better
- A1c: Less than 6.5% to 7%
- Weight: In a healthy range
- Exercise: More than 150 minutes per week
- Diet: Healthy food choices
- Sleep: More than seven hours per night
- Resting heart rate: 60 to 80 beats per minute
Even small steps in the right direction can make a difference.
“You don’t need perfect — just better,” Dr. Gourineni said. “Consistency is key.”
LEARN MORE ABOUT NORTHSIDE HOSPITAL HEART INSTITUTE.
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