Q. What are the most common misconceptions about cardiology and heart health that people should be aware of?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
As cardiologists at SecondMedic, we come across a lot of well-intentioned but incorrect beliefs about heart health. Some of these myths are harmless, but others can delay diagnosis or keep people from seeking help when they need it most.
Let’s clear up a few of the most common ones:
Myth 1: “I’m young, I don’t need to worry about heart issues.”
Reality: We’re seeing more patients in their 30s dealing with high cholesterol, early blockages, and rising blood pressure. Stress, poor sleep, fast food, and long work hours add up. You’re never too young to start caring for your heart.
Myth 2: “If I’m taking BP or cholesterol meds, I’m sorted.”
Reality: Medications help, but they’re not a free pass. They work best alongside lifestyle changes—balanced diet, regular exercise, sleep, and stress control. Pills manage the risk; your habits lower it.
Myth 3: “Chest pain means heart attack. No pain means no problem.”
Reality: Heart issues don’t always come with dramatic chest pain. Many people, especially women, experience symptoms like fatigue, breathlessness, dizziness, or even what feels like acidity. Never ignore what feels unusual.
Myth 4: “I go to the gym, so I’m safe.”
Reality: Exercise is great for your heart, but it doesn’t cancel out smoking, high stress, poor diet, or genetic risk. A healthy lifestyle needs to be well-rounded—not just focused on fitness.
Myth 5: “No one in my family had heart problems, so I won’t either.”
Reality: While family history is important, lifestyle factors often play a bigger role. Even if your family has no history of heart disease, high stress, poor eating, or undiagnosed conditions can still raise your risk.
At SecondMedic, we focus on education just as much as prevention.
The goal isn’t to scare—it’s to inform. Because when people know better, they act earlier, and that alone can change outcomes.
If something feels off, don’t wait for it to get worse. A simple check-up today could prevent a crisis tomorrow.