Six dangerous heart health myths you need to ignore, by a cardiologist
From what getting out of breath really means to why exercise won't fix your problems, Dr Abdul Mozid shares the most common misconceptions
Nowadays, there is a plethora of advice online around protecting your heart health — what to eat, how much to move, which numbers to watch. But alongside the useful guidance, a stubborn set of myths continues to cloud the picture. From writing off symptoms as just getting older to believing a decent exercise habit cancels out everything else, these misconceptions can delay diagnosis of heart problems and quietly increase risk.
For Dr Abdul Mozid, a consultant cardiologist at Nuffield Health Leeds Hospital, the problem is not a lack of information but a misunderstanding of it. Many patients arrive reassured by half-truths — about cholesterol, sleep or “stress” symptoms — that mask more serious underlying issues. Here, he sets out the six myths he most wants people to stop believing — and explains why getting the facts straight could be lifesaving…
1. ‘Getting out of breath is just a sign of getting older’
Many people attribute breathlessness to ageing, being out of shape or carrying extra weight. While these factors can contribute to it, unexplained or new-onset breathlessness is one of the most common early warning signs of heart disease. When the heart cannot pump efficiently, fluid can build up in the lungs, making simple activities feel disproportionately difficult. Breathlessness that occurs with minimal exertion, when lying flat or that is progressively worsening should never be ignored. Early assessment can identify treatable causes such as coronary artery disease, heart valve problems or heart failure. The key message is that persistent breathlessness is not something to “push through” — it’s something to check.
2. ‘Sleep has little effect on the heart’
Sleep is often overlooked in discussions about heart health, yet it plays a crucial regulatory role. Poor or fragmented sleep increases stress hormone levels, raises blood pressure, disrupts glucose metabolism and promotes inflammation — all of which contribute to cardiovascular disease. Conditions such as obstructive sleep apnoea are strongly linked to high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, stroke and heart failure. Chronic sleep deprivation is also associated with weight gain and poorer lifestyle choices, further compounding risk. Good-quality sleep is not a luxury; it is a pillar of cardiovascular health alongside diet and exercise.
3. ‘If you exercise, your heart will be healthy’
Exercise provides enormous cardiovascular benefit, but it does not neutralise the impact of an unhealthy lifestyle. A poor diet high in saturated fats, refined sugars and salt promotes high cholesterol, diabetes and hypertension, regardless of activity levels. Excess alcohol raises blood pressure and contributes to heart rhythm disturbances. Similarly, inadequate sleep increases long-term risk even in physically active individuals. Think of heart health as cumulative — exercise is protective, but it works best as part of a broader pattern of healthy behaviours. You cannot “out-exercise” sustained metabolic stress.
4. ‘Only “bad” cholesterol matters’
The traditional idea of “good” and “bad” cholesterol can be misleading. HDL cholesterol has been labelled “good,” but having a high HDL does not cancel out the harmful effects of elevated LDL cholesterol. LDL plays a direct role in the formation of atherosclerotic plaque within arteries. Cardiovascular risk is driven largely by cumulative exposure to LDL over time. While HDL may be associated with lower risk in some contexts, it does not provide immunity. Managing LDL remains central to reducing heart attack and stroke risk, regardless of HDL levels.
5. ‘It’s just anxiety’
Women are more likely to present with less “classic” heart attack symptoms, such as fatigue, nausea, breathlessness, jaw pain or back discomfort. These symptoms are sometimes misattributed to anxiety, stress, or hormonal fluctuations, leading to delays in diagnosis. While chest pain remains common in women, it may be less dramatic or accompanied by additional symptoms. Greater awareness — among both patients and clinicians — is essential. If symptoms are new, persistent, or exertion-related, cardiac causes must be considered. Early recognition saves lives.
Your next read
6. ‘Heart disease is an older person problem’
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in women, yet risk is often underestimated — particularly in younger women. Menopause does increase cardiovascular risk due to hormonal changes, but it is not the only factor. Autoimmune conditions, pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia or gestational diabetes, chronic stress and certain inflammatory disorders significantly elevate long-term risk. Symptoms may be subtle and attributed to life stage or stress. Recognising these unique risk enhancers is vital to earlier diagnosis and prevention.
