When it comes to heart disease, it’s important to know the causes and risk factors.

Cassie Jacobsen, FNP, is a nurse practitioner at Salem Health Cardiology. Jacobsen said there are a few myths around heart disease that are important to debunk.

Myth: Only older people get heart disease

Fact: People of all ages can get heart disease.

“Although the risk of heart disease is higher as we age, I have cared for many patients in their 20s and 30s with heart disease,” Jacobsen said.

Myth: A healthy weight means you’re safe

Fact: A healthy weight doesn’t guarantee avoidance of heart disease.

“I commonly treat patients who have normal body weights but have heart disease,” she said. “Obesity does increase the risk of heart disease. As body mass index increases, so does cardiovascular risk.”

Myth: Only high cholesterol is a concern

Fact: There are many risk factors.

“That includes high blood pressure, diabetes, a family history of heart disease, tobacco use, marijuana use, methamphetamine use, alcohol use, untreated sleep apnea, a sedentary lifestyle and a poor diet, as well as some chemotherapy or radiation exposures.” Jacobsen said.

Myth: A small heart attack isn’t serious

Fact: “Small” heart attacks should still be taken seriously.

“A heart attack means at some point there was poor blood flow to the heart muscle/tissue,” Jacobsen said. “Whether it was due to obstruction of the coronary arteries, or severe bodily stress, there is a high likelihood of repeat heart attack, which may be much more serious, in the future.”

What to do instead

The nurse practitioner said the good news is, there are a lot of ways to keep heart disease at bay.

“Exercise for 30 minutes or more at least four days per week,” she said. “The healthiest diet (Mediterranean) consists of a lot of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, nuts and seeds, legumes and olive oil as the primary food source. And six to eight hours of sleep per night is recommended.”

Your path to cardiac care

From heart attacks and high blood pressure to heart disease and failure — Salem Health is here to address your cardiology concerns. Learn more about our team and the steps we can take to get your health back on track.