February is Heart Month

In 2014 heart disease has remained the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S. Interestingly, most people fear dying of cancer rather than suffering a fatal cardiac event; and according to a new report from the Cleveland Clinic about three-quarters (74%) of Americans do not fear dying from this most likely cause. The Cleveland Clinic conducted a survey of 1,005 adults (502 men and 503 women 18 years of age and older) living in the continental United States as part of their consumer awareness campaign coined “Love Your Heart”, in recognition of Heart Month. In addition to the seeming apathy Americans have for heart disease, the survey also identified that most people are generally misinformed concerning heart disease prevention and symptoms. Among Americans with high risk, such as those with a family history of the disease (39%), 26% do not take any preventative steps to protect their heart health. This may be no surprise as the majority (70%) of Americans are unfamiliar with the symptoms of heart disease; yet 64% of those surveyed have or know someone who has the disease. Among those surveyed less than a third of respondents correctly identified unusual fatigue, sleep disturbances and jaw pain as all being signs of heart disease. According to Steven Nissen, M.D., Chairman of Cardiovascular Medicine at Cleveland Clinic, “This is a disease that can largely be prevented and managed, but you have to be educated about how to do so and then incorporate prevention into your lifestyle.”

According to the report, Americans are not well-educated concerning heart health and heart disease prevention in general. While this seems difficult to grasp due to the proliferation of information in today’s society, many Americans are simply misinformed by marketing and unfounded claims made by what are perceived as reputable sources. The Cleveland Clinic survey also found many people believe the myth that daily doses of fish oil can prevent heart disease (55%). While supplementation does hold health benefits, it does little to actually prevent disease.

Additionally surprising statistics from the survey suggest:

• 45% did not know seafood can be just as high in cholesterol as red meat
• 61% incorrectly believe that vitamins or other supplements have a positive effect on hearth health, and 44% believe they can lower cholesterol
• 32% identified cheese as the biggest source of sodium in the average diet with only 24% correctly identifying bread as the leading sodium culprit
• 59% of Americans believe a heart disease gene could be the key to determining their predisposition to the condition, yet no such gene has been identified

“There is no single way to prevent heart disease, given that every person is different,” Dr. Nissen added. “Yet there are five things everyone should learn when it comes to their heart health because they can make an enormous difference and greatly improve your risk: eat right, exercise regularly, know your cholesterol, blood pressure, and body mass index numbers, do not use tobacco, and know your family history. Taking these steps can help lead to a healthier heart and a longer, more vibrant life.”