To debunk all these incorrect facts, cardiologist Dr. Munawar addresses such myths and reveals the truth behind them, as compiled by tempo.co.

Heart attacks only occur in the elderly

This myth exceptionally deviates from the truth. In fact, Dr. Munawar often handles patients who are below the age of 40. 

Heart attacks can strike anyone, regardless of age. Therefore, Dr. Munawar advises that heart check-ups should be done by the age of 25. 

Sweaty palms are a sign of heart disease

Dr. Munawar explains that this correlation has not been scientifically proven. No study or research has proven the link between sweaty palms and heart disease.

(Read also: Underweight people at elevated risk of heart diseases: Study)

Drinking coffee too much can increase the risk of heart attacks

The concentration of caffeine in coffee indeed increases one’s heart rate, but this alone is not enough to increase the risk of heart disease. 

Heart attacks can easily be detected

One of the reasons behind heart attacks being the number one global cause of death with 17.3 million deaths per year is due to its unexpectedness in striking a person, without any symptoms. 

This is possible due to the rupture of small blood vessels ulcers that are not visible through electrocardiogram check-ups (ECG) or treadmill tests. The plaque could only be detected through a multi-slice CT (MSCT).

“Hence, it can be said that heart attacks are not easily detected,” Dr. Munawar pointed out. 

Sleep deprivation can cause heart attacks

Dr. Munawar does not entirely regard this statement to be false, because the habit of sleep deprivation can increase the risk of heart attacks. The National Sleep foundation reports a study that examined 3,000 adults over the age of 45, and it found that “those who slept fewer than six hours per night were about twice as likely to have a stroke or heart attack as people who slept six to eight hours per night.”

(Read also: Study finds link between stress and heart disease)

Bloating and (masuk angin) catching a cold are symptoms of heart disease

This statement can be said to be partly true and partly false, as cases like these frequently occur in Indonesia. Dr. Munawar explains that many people can encounter a blockage in the left anterior descending (LAD) artery that goes to the front and lower part of the heart. Hence, patients can feel as if they are catching a cold or masuk angin.

Heart disease is hereditary

Heart disease is not passed down genetically. Regardless, the health and well-being of familial habits should be maintained. 

“As long as [one’s] lifestyle is smoke-free, filled with regular exercise, an intake of healthy food and controlled sugar and cholesterol levels, the risk of heart attack will further decrease,” as explained by Dr. Munawar. 

Regardless of whatever myths circulate on the internet or through word-of-mouth, the fact that remains true is that a healthy lifestyle will most definitely steer a person’s risk of heart disease away. (mra/kes)