Majority of Americans Have Misconceptions about Heart Health, Study Claims

A new research shows nearly 70 percent of Americans are not well informed about heart diseases.

The Cleveland Clinic conducted a survey of 1,005 participants (502 men and 503 women) aged 18 and above to gather insight on their perception of heart diseases and its prevention.

It was found that nearly 70 percent of these participants were unaware of the symptoms of the heart diseases even though two out of three have or knew someone with the disease. Only 30 percent of participants were able to identify all the signs of the heart disease - unusual fatigue, sleep disturbances and jaw pain.

Around 32 percent of the participants were not taking any preventive measures despite having a family history of heart diseases.

The study showed that Americans were not well educated about general heart health and its prevention. The participants had an array of opinions and believed in myths about  exercising, diet, supplements, cholesterol management, age, etc.

Nearly one third of the Americans thought that cheese was the strongest factor that triggered heart diseases. However, everyday food like bread, bagel, canned foods and frozen meals high in sodium were major contributors to the disease.

About 55 percent believed that fish oil taken in recommended doses works wonders for the heart, whie the truth is; its effects are seen only when consumed in extremely high quantities.

More than 61 percent of the subjects believed that vitamin supplements had positive effects on cardiovascular health and helped reduce cholesterol. Many studies have  contradicted this belief and proved that vitamins do not affect cardiovascular health.

Approximately 59 percent of the subjects believe that heart diseases occur only to those who have a heriditary history.

Heart diseases rank top on the list of serious health conditions in the U.S. The study aims to educate people who are unaware of the severity of the disease.

Steven Nissen, M.D, chairman of cardio vascular medicine at Cleveland Clinic said, "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."

Nissen also mentioned in a press report that there is no single way of preventing it as the degree of the illness differs among individuals. People can make an enormous difference by eating healthy, exercising regularly, checking cholesterol levels and avoiding tobacco consumption.