<2> 3 Common Heart Health Myths a Cardiologist Wishes You’d Stop Believing
<3> Myth #1: You Need to Hit the Gym to Stay Heart Healthy
Many people believe that regular exercise is the key to maintaining a healthy heart. While it’s true that physical activity can lower blood pressure, improve circulation, and boost overall cardiovascular health, it’s not the only factor at play. Trang Pham, a cardiologist at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), notes that “many people make the mistake of thinking that gym time is the only way to stay heart healthy. In reality, incorporating physical activity into your daily routine, such as taking the stairs or walking to work, can be just as beneficial.”
<3> Myth #2: Eating Fat Will Give You a Heart Attack
The low-fat diet craze of the 1990s led many people to believe that cutting out fat was the key to heart health. However, Dr. Pham explains that “not all fats are created equal. In fact, some fats, such as those found in avocados and nuts, are actually beneficial for heart health due to their high levels of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.” The American Heart Association recommends