10 Heart Disease Myths
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, affecting millions every year. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), cardiovascular disease (CVD) was responsible for 931,578 deaths in 2024 alone. That number has continued to rise despite growing awareness of heart health.
So, why does CVD still have such a stronghold? Misinformation plays a significant role. Many people underestimate their risks or believe myths that prevent them from taking the proper precautions. At ACLS Academy, an authorized American Heart Association Training Center, we are committed to providing evidence-based knowledge that helps individuals and healthcare professionals make informed decisions about heart health. Let’s separate fact from fiction by debunking some of the most common cardiovascular disease myths.
🩺 Myth #1: Genes Matter More Than Lifestyle
Truth: Genetics play a role, but lifestyle is the game-changer.
Family history can indeed increase your risk of developing heart disease, but genetics are not destiny. Studies show that lifestyle changes—such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking—can dramatically reduce the risk of heart disease, even in people with a genetic predisposition.
What You Can Do: Regardless of genetic background, adopt heart-healthy habits. Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise weekly, and incorporate a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
🏃 Myth #2: Lifestyle Is Always More Important Than Genetics
Truth: While lifestyle is powerful, genetics can’t be ignored.
On the flip side, some people believe that as long as they eat well and exercise, they are immune to heart disease. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Some inherited conditions, such as familial hypercholesterolemia (a genetic disorder that causes high cholesterol), can increase CVD risk—even in individuals with a healthy lifestyle.
What You Can Do: Know your family history. If you have a genetic predisposition, work with a doctor to monitor key health markers (like cholesterol and blood pressure) and develop a personalized prevention plan.
🧪 Myth #3: If I Take a Cholesterol-Lowering Drug, I Can Eat Anything
Truth: Statins help, but they aren’t a free pass to an unhealthy diet.
Cholesterol in your bloodstream comes from two sources—your liver naturally produces it, and you consume it from certain foods. Statins work by reducing the amount of cholesterol your liver makes, which helps lower overall cholesterol levels and reduces the buildup of plaque in your arteries.
However, taking a statin doesn’t cancel out an unhealthy diet. If you continue eating foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol, the medication becomes less effective, and your cholesterol levels may not drop—or could even rise.
What You Can Do: Support your statin therapy with a heart-healthy diet. Limit saturated fats, trans fats, and processed foods while increasing your fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to help further reduce cholesterol levels.
⏳ Myth #4: High Blood Pressure Is Just Part of Getting Older
Truth: Hypertension isn’t inevitable—and it’s dangerous if ignored.
While blood pressure naturally increases with age, that doesn’t mean high blood pressure is normal. The AHA's 2025 Update indicates coronary heart disease caused 371,506 deaths in 2022. If left untreated, hypertension can damage arteries, increase the risk of stroke, and lead to heart failure.
What You Can Do: Monitor your blood pressure regularly. The AHA recommends keeping it below 120/80 mmHg for optimal heart health. Lifestyle adjustments, such as reducing sodium intake and increasing physical activity, can help maintain healthy levels.
😲 Myth #5: I’d Know If I Had High Blood Pressure
Truth: High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so it’s called the “silent killer.”
Nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, yet many don’t even realize it. The only way to know your numbers is through regular screenings.
What You Can Do: Get your blood pressure checked at least once a year—more often if you have risk factors like obesity, diabetes, or a family history of hypertension.
💓 Myth #6: A Fast Heartbeat Means I’m Having a Heart Attack
Truth: A rapid heartbeat isn’t always a cause for alarm.
While an irregular or extremely fast heartbeat can signal a heart condition, many factors can cause an increased heart rate, including:
● Anxiety
● Dehydration
● Caffeine or alcohol
● Overactive thyroid
However, if your rapid heartbeat is accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness, seek medical attention immediately.
⚠️ Myth #7: A Heart Attack Always Comes with Chest Pain
Truth: Many heart attacks don’t involve chest pain at all.
The AHA highlights that, on average, someone in the U.S. dies of CVD every 34 seconds, based on 2021 data. Common non-traditional symptoms of a heart attack include:
● Shortness of breath
● Nausea or vomiting
● Lightheadedness
● Pain in the jaw, neck, or back
Women, in particular, are more likely to experience these “silent” symptoms.
What You Can Do: Don’t wait for chest pain. If you experience any of these warning signs, seek immediate medical help.
🍬 Myth #8: If I Take My Diabetes Medication, My Heart Is Safe
Truth: Diabetes significantly increases the risk of heart disease.
Even if blood sugar is controlled with medication, diabetes can still contribute to heart disease if other risk factors (like high blood pressure and cholesterol) aren’t managed.
What You Can Do: Pair medication with a heart-healthy lifestyle—including exercise, a low-sugar diet, and regular cardiovascular screenings.
🩸 Myth #9: I Don’t Need to Check My Cholesterol Until I’m Older
Truth: High cholesterol can start early.
Even teenagers and young adults can have high cholesterol, increasing their risk of early heart disease. Early detection is crucial. The AHA's 2025 Update emphasizes the importance of monitoring cholesterol levels to prevent the development of heart disease.
What You Can Do: Get your first cholesterol test by age 20 and check it every 4-6 years—or more often if you have risk factors.
🎂 Myth #10: I’m Too Young to Worry About Heart Disease
Truth: Heart disease can start at any age.
Lifestyle habits formed in your teens and 20s can determine your heart health in later years. Obesity, smoking, stress, and inactivity put younger adults at risk.
What You Can Do: Take charge early. Small, healthy habits now can prevent heart disease decades later.
Take Charge of Your Heart Health
At ACLS Academy, we believe that accurate information saves lives. By debunking these myths, we hope to empower you to take control of your heart health—because prevention is the best cure when it comes to CVD.
Stay informed. Stay proactive. Your heart will thank you.
ACLS Academy is an authorized American Heart Association (AHA)- Aligned Training Center. We have three convenient locations in Massachusetts—Quincy, Bridgewater, and Newton Center—and most of our classes include an online training component. We provide high-quality courses taught by instructors practicing in the medical profession for ACLS, BLS, TNCC, ENPC, NRP, PALS, PALS Plus, PEARS, ACLS- EP, ASLS, Bloodborne Pathogen, HeartSaver CPR/AED, First Aid, and Instructor Courses. Please browse our catalog of courses.