As one of the leading causes of death in Canada, heart disease is frequently a topic of conversation — particularly heart disease that leads to a heart attack.
In recognition of Heart Month in February, UHN experts helped debunk some of the most common myths about heart attacks and share tips for lowering your risk.
What is a heart attack?
A heart attack, medically termed a myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to a section of the heart is blocked, stopping the heart muscle from getting oxygen. If the blood flow isn't restored quickly, that section of the heart muscle begins to die. This leads to damage that can range from mild to severe, or sometimes fatal.
Myth: I'm young, so I don't have to worry about having a heart attack
Truth: Heart attacks also affect young people.
"Heart attacks are on the rise in patients under the age of 50," says Dr. Mali Worme, a cardiologist at UHN's Toronto Western Hospital.
She recommends that adults, no matter their age, schedule regular checkup appointments to check for heart disease risk factors, including high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol.
Myth: Sudden, severe chest pain means I'm having a heart attack
Truth: Heart attack symptoms vary and some people do not experience any chest pain.
"The typical movie idea of heart attack is that you're clutching your chest, you can't breathe and you're sweating. Not all heart attacks present that way," says Dr. Paaladinesh Thavendiranathan, a cardiologist at UHN's Toronto General Hospital.
Some heart attacks may present with a sudden onset of shortness of breath or pain in the arm or jaw.
These symptoms should be taken seriously, particularly for people at higher risk of experiencing a heart attack.
Myth: Women and men experience heart attacks the same way
Truth: Men and women share common heart attack symptoms, but women are more likely to have subtle signs and symptoms.
"Women tend to have atypical presentation compared to men and this has resulted in many people thinking heart attack is a disease of men and not women," says Dr. Thavendiranathan.
"That's absolutely not true."
Although men and women can share symptoms such as chest pain, pressure, or shortness of breath, Dr. Worme added that women can experience less typical symptoms, including:
- pain in the upper abdomen
- pain in between the shoulder blades
- severe indigestion and nausea
Myth: Heart attack and cardiac arrest are the same thing
Truth: A heart attack can lead to cardiac arrest, but they are two different things.
"Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops beating properly and, as a result, stops effectively pumping blood to the other organs of the body. Patients go unconscious with a cardiac arrest and require CPR. Patients may or may not lose consciousness with a heart attack," says Dr. Worme.
Myth: I should wait to see if my symptoms worsen or improve before going to the hospital for a possible heart attack.
Truth: Getting early treatment can stop or limit the consequences of a heart attack.
"Heart muscle can start to die within minutes, so time really is of the essence. Always call 911 or go to the nearest hospital immediately if you think you are having a heart attack," says Dr. Worme.
Myth: Having a heart attack means there's no return to having a normal life.
Truth: Heart attacks are a serious event, but not an automatic death sentence. After completing proper treatment and rehab, many people who experience heart attacks can live a long, fulfilling life.
Myth: Eating healthy and exercising regularly will guarantee my protection from a heart attack
Truth: A healthy diet and regular exercise contribute to lowering your risk, but do not eliminate it.
"Just because you feel good today and you think you're healthy, it may not be sufficient to reduce your risk. Understanding that there are many other factors that also contribute to heart attacks is really important," says Dr. Thavendiranathan.
Additional factors include your diet, stress levels, sleep patterns and family history.
"There may be genetic contributors that you could be born with or develop as you get older that can increase the risk," he said.
Tips to help lower your heart attack risk
80 per cent of premature heart disease and stroke is preventable. To help protect your heart health, Dr. Thavendiranathan highlights the importance of understanding your risks and living a healthy lifestyle.
"It's important to know your blood pressure, know your blood glucose, know your lipid levels and how long you're sleeping. Many of these risk factors are what we refer to as silent killers. You don't feel them until you develop cardiovascular complications."
Being healthy and physically fit is foundational in reducing risk. You should:
- avoid smoking
- focus on consuming a healthy diet
- practice stress reduction practices, such as mindfulness
- ensure you're getting adequate sleep (approximately seven to eight hours per night)
"Making small but consistent changes in habits, while ensuring you've got appropriate medical care, can be really lifesaving," says Dr. Thavendiranathan.
