Myths about Cardiovascular Health

Let’s take a closer look at heart health and what really matters. While many of us have heard about cardiovascular disease (CVD), there are still myths that get in the way of prevention. By addressing these misconceptions, we can all take simple, practical steps to keep our hearts strong.

Heart health is not just a concern for older adults. Risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure, and poor nutrition can begin to affect the heart from an early age (2) (1). Studies show that younger Asian adults are increasingly experiencing lifestyle-related heart issues. That’s why it’s important to start monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol from around age 20. Simple habits like exercising at least 150 minutes a week, choosing whole grains and vegetables over processed foods, and maintaining a healthy weight can make a big difference over time.

While chest pain is a common warning sign, not everyone experiences it. Some people, especially women and those with diabetes, may notice other symptoms such as breathlessness, nausea, jaw pain, or unusual fatigue (3) (4). Being aware of these less obvious signs helps ensure timely care. If such symptoms appear suddenly, call 995 immediately. For prevention, regular health checks, managing diabetes with a low-sugar diet, and quitting smoking can all help protect your heart and blood vessels.

CVD affects both men and women, and younger adults are not exempt. In fact, women may face unique risks, such as the effects of stress or certain health conditions like Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which can increase cardiovascular risks (5)(6). Annual screenings are recommended for women from age 40, or earlier if there’s a family history of heart disease. For both men and women, prioritising good sleep such as aiming for seven hours a night and moderating alcohol intake can go a long way in supporting heart function (7).

Heart health is built on everyday choices: eating balanced meals, staying active, sleeping well, and going for regular check-ups. By addressing misconceptions and taking proactive steps, we can strengthen our heart health and enjoy a longer, healthier life.

If you are experiencing any symptoms or wish to schedule a heart check-up, learn more about our cardiovascular services here.

1. Chong, B., Jayabaskaran, J., Jauhari, S.M., Chan, S.P., Goh, R., Kueh, M.T.W., Li, H., Chin, Y.H., Kong, G., Anand, V.V., Wang, J.W., Muthiah, M., Jain, V., Mehta, A., Lim, S.L., Foo, R., Figtree, G.A., Nicholls, S.J., Mamas, M.A., Januzzi, J.L., Chew, N.W.S., Richards, A.M. and Chan, M.Y. (2025) Global burden of cardiovascular diseases: projections from 2025 to 2050. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, 32(1), pp. 1-12. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1093/eurjpc/zwae298.

2. Chien, S.C., Chandramouli, C., Lo, C.I., Lin, C.F., Sung, K.T., Huang, W.H., Lai, Y.H., Yun, C.H., Su, C.H., Yeh, H.I., Hung, T.C., Hung, C.L. and Lam, C.S.P. (2021) Associations of obesity and malnutrition with cardiac remodeling and cardiovascular outcomes in Asian adults: A cohort study. PLoS Medicine, 18(6), p.e1003661. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1003661.

3. Schulte, K.J. and Mayrovitz, H.N. (2023) Myocardial Infarction Signs and Symptoms: Females vs. Males. Cureus, 15(5), p.e38928. Available at: https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.38928.

4. Kumar, A., Sanghera, A., Sanghera, B., Mohamed, T., Midgen, A., Pattison, S., Marston, L. and Jones, M.M. (2023) Chest pain symptoms during myocardial infarction in patients with and without diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Heart, 109(20), pp.1623-1629. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1136/heartjnl-2022-322312.

5. Kundu, J., James, K.S., Hossain, B. and Chakraborty, R. (2023) Gender differences in premature mortality for cardiovascular disease in India, 2017-18. BMC Public Health, 23(1), p.547. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-15440-7.

6. Wise, J.M., Jackson, E.A., Kempf, M.C., Oates, G.R., Wang, Z., Overton, E.T., Siddiqui, M., Woodward, M., Rosenson, R.S. and Muntner, P. (2023) Sex Differences in Incident Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Events Among Women and Men With HIV. AIDS, 37(11), pp.1661-1669. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1097/QAD.0000000000003614.

7. Svensson, T., Saito, E., Svensson, A.K., Melander, O., Orho-Melander, M., Mimura, M., Rahman, S., Sawada, N., Koh, W.P., Shu, X.O., Tsuji, I., Kanemura, S., Park, S.K., Nagata, C., Tsugane, S., Cai, H., Yuan, J.M., Matsuyama, S., Sugawara, Y., Wada, K., Yoo, K.Y., Chia, K.S., Boffetta, P., Ahsan, H., Zheng, W., Kang, D., Potter, J.D. and Inoue, M. (2021) Association of Sleep Duration With All- and Major-Cause Mortality Among Adults in Japan, China, Singapore, and Korea. JAMA Network Open, 4(9), p.e2122837. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.22837.