So, how much do you really know about heart health? Let's look at the facts.
Myth 1: Heart disease only affects older adults.
Fact: All ages can be dignosed with heart disease.
While the risk of heart disease rises with age, it can impact individuals at any stage of life. In Native American communities, heart disease is often seen at younger ages due to factors such a poor nutrition, limited physical activity, smoking, high blood pressue, and stress. Participating in wellness classes at Whirling Thunder can help support healthier lifestyle choices by offering education, resources, and guidance to improve overall well-being.
Myth 2: If I feel fine, my heart is healthy.
Fact: Heart disease often develops without noticeable symptoms.
Heart disease is often referred to as a "Silent killer" because it is one of a few dangerous condition that rarely show symptoms until they are advanced or have caused severe damage. These diseases often cause fatal heart attacks, strokes, or kidney failure before diagnosis, necessitating regular, preventative medical checkups to know your "numbers". Many individuals may be unaware they have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or other risk factors until serious health issues arise. Native Americans are also at a higher risk of having heart conditions go undiagnosed, which makes routine screenings and regular checkups with your primary care team especially important for early detection and prevention. Call 402-745-3950 to schedule an appointment.
Myth 3: Medication can fix heart problems.
Fact: Medication cannot cure or "fix" structural heart disease.
Medications are most beneficial when paired with healthy lifestyle habits. Medications are highly effective at managing symptoms, reversing risk factors, preventing complications - like heart attacks - and extending your life. Commonly used drugs include statins to lower cholesterol, beta-blockers to reduce heart workload, and blood thinners to prevent clots. Talk to your primary care provider and the your pharmasists to learn more about how to safely manage these perscriptions and the risks associated with them.
Medications are most beneficial when paired with healthier lifestyle habits. Tobacco use rates are higher in native communities, including Winnebago, which can raise the risk of cardiovascular disease, making prevention and breaking tobacco habits are especially valuable. Consider eating a more balanced diet, starting and staying physically active, learn methods to manage your stress, and refrain from smoking tobacco. Talk with WCHS pharmacy team to learn more about heart healthy medications!
Myth 4: Exercise must be intense to be effective.
Fact: Moderate physical activity can significantly improve heart health.
Consistency with exercising is more important than how intensity. Regular simple movements
such as walking, swimming, or gardening, will help strengthen the heart, improve circulation, lower blood pressue, manage cholesterol levels, and reduce stress - all of which supports overall cardiovascular wellness. With a higher risk of heart disease for Indiginous populations, it is especially important to include daily physical activity and participate in community gatherings that promote healthy living. Whether you're in Winnebago, NE, or the surrounding area, be sure to check your local community events calendar for opportunities to stay active, connected, and healthy.
Myth 5: Only Overweight Individuals Develop Heart Disease
Fact: People with a healthy weight can still develop heart conditions.
While it is true that obesity can increase the risk of heart disease, people at a healthy weight can still develop heart conditions. In native communities, like Winnebago, NE, individuals experience higher rates of diabetes and high blood pressure, which are major risk factors for heart disease, regardless of weight. Genetics, smoking, physical inactivity, and diet also play important rolls in overall health. WCHS offers weight management and diabetes education classes to help support healthier lifestyle choices and improve long-term wellness.
Know the Truth. Protect Your Heart.
Believing myths & misconceptions, could prevent you from knowing your numbers and making the healthy lifestyle choices you need to truly protect your heart. Understanding the facts about heart health is the first step, now you can choose to take the small, everyday steps that can make a big difference in your life. Partner with your family, relatives, friends, and local healthcare system to build a community of stronger hearts.