Naturopathic doctor debunks 4 common myths about heart disease

One person dies in Canada every five minutes from heart conditions, stroke or vascular cognitive impairment, according to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.

That’s why naturopathic doctor Joyce Johnson said it is vital to understand how you can support optimal heart health.

Dr. Johnson joined Bob Cowan on Morning Live to share four common myths about heart disease and set the facts straight.

Myth One: If you have heart disease, you should eat as little fat as possible

Knowing the difference between good-quality and poor-quality fats can make all the difference when it comes to heart health.

Dr. Johnson recommended avoiding trans fats found in deep fried foods and most processed or packaged foods.

But it is important to include adequate amounts of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. 

Foods such as olive oil, avocados and some nuts (almonds, pistachios, cashews, pecans and hazelnuts) contain monounsaturated fat and have been shown to improve blood cholesterol levels.

A type of polyunsaturated fat is omega-3, which can help lower bad cholesterol levels, reduce blood clotting and the risk of stroke. Some great sources of omega-3 fat are cold water fish (mackerel, sardines, herring, rainbow trout and salmon), omega-3 eggs, flaxseed, walnuts, pecans and pine nuts.

 Myth Two: If you have heart disease you need to take it easy

As long as your doctor has given you the green light to exercise, regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining a healthy heart.

Studies show that working out can improve blood pressure, boost energy levels, lower stress and increase your confidence.

“Because physical activity makes you feel better about yourself, you are more likely to make healthy lifestyle choices and avoid unhealthy ones such as smoking, overeating or drinking too much alcohol,” Dr. Johnson said.

Myth Three: Heart disease is really a man’s problem 

Statistics suggest that poor heart health is not just an issue for men.

In fact, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada says heart disease is the leading cause of premature death for women across the country.

The risk of heart disease especially increases for women during menopausal years because the ovaries slowly stop producing the hormone estrogen, which is heart-protective. This can lead to more body fat above the waist, higher LDL (bad cholesterol) and lower HDL (good cholesterol) levels and high blood pressure.

Dr. Johnson recommended eating foods abundant in fibre and potassium, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and seeds.

Myth Four: Heart disease only happens to older people

While the risk for some heart problems increases as you age, heart disease can affect anyone at any age.

“When you’re young, this is the opportunity to change some of your lifestyle habits,” Dr. Johnson said. “Improve your diet, stop smoking, start exercising. The choices you make today are going to affect your heart health later on.”