5 Heart Health Myths You Shouldn't Take Lightly

Red meat is a source of protein, iron, and vitamin B12, but the type of meat and how much is eaten matter. Fatty cuts can contain more saturated fat, and high consumption of processed meats such as sausages and salami is linked to adverse health outcomes.

Safir Arjan - having high good cholesterol, regular exercise or complete elimination of eggs and red meat does not necessarily mean protecting the heart. To reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, a set of factors such as diet, physical activity, blood pressure and cholesterol levels should be considered.

High good cholesterol does not neutralize bad cholesterol

HDL cholesterol, which is usually called good cholesterol, plays a role in transporting cholesterol from tissues to the liver. On the other hand, high LDL cholesterol is associated with an increased risk of plaque formation in the walls of arteries and the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases.

High HDL alone cannot counteract the adverse effects of high LDL. For this reason, cardiac risk assessment should be done taking into account the combination of blood test results and factors such as age, blood pressure, diabetes and family history.

For many people, lowering LDL through lifestyle modifications and, if needed, medication is an important part of heart disease prevention.

Fear of side effects of statins should not lead to arbitrarily stopping the drug

Statins are the main drugs for lowering LDL cholesterol and can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in people who need them.

Muscle pain is a possible side effect of these drugs, but not all muscle pain in people taking statins is caused by the drug. If symptoms occur, the doctor can investigate the cause and, if necessary, change the amount or type of medication.

Arbitrary discontinuation of the drug may deprive the patient of the benefits of treatment. Also, it is not recommended to change the dosage schedule or irregular use of statin to reduce side effects without a doctor's opinion.

Exercise does not compensate for an unhealthy diet

Regular physical activity helps control blood pressure, improve blood lipids, maintain a healthy weight, and reduce the risk of heart disease; But it cannot eliminate all the consequences of an improper diet.

High consumption of saturated fats, trans fats and highly processed foods can have a negative effect on cardiovascular health. In contrast, a diet including vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, fish, and olive oil helps protect the heart.

Mediterranean diet is one of the food patterns studied in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Along with proper nutrition, regular physical activity, enough sleep and avoiding smoking are also important.

Not everyone needs to eliminate eggs from their diet

Eggs are a source of protein and various nutrients, and for most healthy people, their balanced consumption can be part of a varied diet.

Cholesterol found in foods is not the same as cholesterol produced in the body, and its effect on LDL levels depends on factors such as a person's metabolic status and the overall composition of the diet. Also, saturated fats in some foods can contribute to increasing LDL.

Therefore, it is not possible to provide the same advice about egg consumption for all people. Those who have high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes or more cardiovascular risk, it is better to adjust the amount and frequency of consumption according to their conditions and the advice of a doctor or nutritionist.

Completely eliminating red meat is not necessary for everyone

Red meat is a source of protein, iron and vitamin B12, but the type of meat and its consumption are important. High-fat meats can have more saturated fat, and high consumption of processed meats such as sausages and sausages is associated with adverse health outcomes.

If you eat red meat, choosing low-fat portions, controlling portion sizes, and limiting processed meats are good decisions. It is also better to get part of the protein needed by the body from sources such as beans, fish, nuts and poultry.

Not everyone needs to cut out red meat completely, but it is important to eat it in moderation as part of a healthy diet.

Medical advice: Don't rely on just one number on a cholesterol test or feeling good after exercise to gauge heart health. Blood pressure, blood lipids, blood sugar and other risk factors should be checked together. Also consult your doctor about starting, changing or stopping heart medications and cholesterol-lowering medications.