There are a number of myths surrounding heart disease. This can be dangerous for heart patients, and their children, if allowed to interfere with heart-healthy behaviors. For that reason, it’s essential to understand heart disease and its risk factors in order to make informed decisions about your lifestyle.
One of the more common myths about heart disease involves the children of heart disease patients. Many feel they are doomed to experience the same medical complications as their parents. Although genetics do play a role in heart disease risk, a number of modifiable factors play a significant role in overall risk as well.
These modifiable risk factors are mostly related to lifestyle and diet. This means the children of heart disease patients are fully capable of influencing their likelihood of developing heart disease.
In the above video, Dr. Rimmerman of the Cleveland Clinic discusses these and other myths surrounding her disease.
Sources: The Cleveland Clinic