Experts dispel the myths and promote the facts about keeping your most important muscle pumping. By Bongiwe Nocanda.

In recognition of the estimated 195 South Africans dying from heart-related illnesses every day, September is Heart Awareness Month. According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of South Africa, heart attacks account for 33 deaths a day and are twice as prevalent in men than in women. It’s thus vital to have your cholesterol, blood pressure and glucose level checked regularly. And know the facts from the myths.

MYTH: CHOCOLATE IS GOOD FOR MY HEALTH
Dr Joe Tyrrell, a cardiologist at Vincent Pallotti Hospital in Cape Town, says there’s little to no evidence to support this theory.

‘Dark chocolate contains flavo-noids, which have antioxidant properties that may reduce cardio risks but, on the other hand, all chocolate contains milk, which tends to do the opposite.’ There are many reasons why people may eat chocolate, but improving cardiovascular health should not be one of them, he advises.

FACT: A GLASS OF RED A DAY MAY KEEP THE DOCTOR AWAY
‘Procyanidins in red wine – from the skins and pips of red grapes – have antioxidant properties and, in theory, may therefore benefit arterial health,’ says Dr Tyrrell. He adds that people who live around the Mediterranean have recorded lower incidences of coronary heart disease compared to people who live in Northern Europe. ‘There are many possible explanations for this, but red wine in the so-called Mediterranean diet is one of them,’ he says.

Lauren Pietersen and Erika Ketterer, registered dietitians from the Heart and Stroke Foundation, advise that women limit alcohol intake to a maximum of one serving per day and men to no more than two servings per day, where one serving is equivalent to a small glass of wine (125 ml). But, they warn that alcohol can be addictive and abuse can lead to serious health consequences.

MYTH: ALL FATS ARE BAD FOR YOUR CHOLESTEROL
‘Not true!’ says Dr Tyrrell. ‘Some fats, especially saturated and trans-fats, increase levels of bad (LDL) choles-terol. But other fats, such as mono-unsaturated and poly-unsaturated omega-3 fats, found in fish and other marine oils, reduce cholesterol slightly and can even lower the risk of coronary heart disease.’

Erika and Lauren recommend the following:

• Eat skinless chicken and fish (often), lean red meat (occasionally) and low-fat or fat-free dairy products.
• Avoid foods that contain large amounts of cholesterol, such as organ meats (like kidneys or livers).
• Watch out for high-kilojoule baked products and fried fast foods as these contain harmful trans fats.
• ‘Good’ fats are those found in plant products and oily fish such as pilchards, salmon or tuna.
• Aim to use olive oil when cooking or with salads on a daily basis.

MYTH: HIGH CHOLESTEROL BUT NO FAMILY HISTORY OF HEART DISEASE MEANS I DON’T NEED TO WORRY
‘No!’ says Dr Tyrrell. ‘The average cholesterol of people who have heart attacks is only slightly higher than that of people who don’t, and high cholesterol is only one of the factors that increase the risk of a heart attack. So a negative family history by no means eliminates the risk of heart attack.’ However, he advises that people with high cholesterol try to control other risk factors such as blood pressure and smoking, irrespective of their family medical history.

MYTH: PEOPLE WITH GUM DISEASE ARE TWICE AS LIKELY TO SUFFER FROM A STROKE OR HEART ATTACK
According to Lauren and Erika, the results of several studies hint that poor oral health may increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes, but these results are inconclusive and more research is required. It is, however, important to control the main risk factors for heart disease and stroke. These include smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, inactivity, poor diet and being overweight.

FACT: AN ASPIRIN A DAY KEEPS ME PUMPING
Dr Tyrrell says this is a fact, but only people at high risk need bother, for example people who already have coronary disease or elderly people with multiple risk factors. ‘Those at low risk of a heart attack, such as premenopausal women, should not take aspirin since the risk of taking it outweighs any possible small benefit. On the other hand, the potential benefit of aspirin for people at high risk should outweigh the side effects of the drug.’ But consult your GP before taking any new medication.

FACT: WEIGHT LOSS HELPS LOWER THE RISK OF A HEART ATTACK
Losing weight helps in many ways, especially if exercise is part of the weight-loss process, recommends Dr Tyrrell. ‘It helps improve glucose metabolism, reduces the risk of diabetes, reduces blood pressure, reduces cholesterol, and has favourable effects on blood clotting.’

Contact
Dr Joe Tyrrell, cardiologist
021 506 5111
Vincent Pallotti Hospital

Lauren Pietersen and Erika Ketterer, registered dietitians
Heart and Stroke Foundation
021 447 4222
www.heartfoundation.co.za

Did you know?
Club has qualified medical professionals available to assist with any medical queries you may have, free of charge. Call 0861 424 789. Club members outside South Africa should dial +27 11 991 8330.