More and more people are dedicating time to physical activity—not only as a form of leisure, but also for its positive impact on health. However, there are many myths and misconceptions about how exercise affects the heart.
Some of these ideas can cause unnecessary fear, while others may lead to unhealthy practices. In this article, Dr. Segura, cardiologist at CreuBlanca, debunks some common myths about cardiovascular health and exercise.
MYTH 1: “High-intensity exercise harms the heart”
High-performance exercise, when done properly, is not harmful to cardiovascular health and can actually strengthen the heart.
However, it’s important to consider each individual’s physical condition, as some people with pre-existing heart conditions may require adaptations. It’s always advisable to consult a medical specialist before starting an intense training regimen.
MYTH 2: “If you’re young, you don’t need to worry about your heart when exercising”
While it’s true that young people are less likely to suffer from serious heart conditions, heart health should be a priority from an early age. Exercise plays a key role in preventing cardiovascular diseases in the future.
Prevention is essential, and maintaining an active lifestyle from a young age can reduce the risk of heart problems in the long term.
MYTH 3: “Athletes can’t have arrhythmias”
Athletes, like anyone else, can experience arrhythmias. In fact, some studies suggest that high-performance athletes may have a higher incidence of certain arrhythmias due to intense training loads. However, in most cases, these arrhythmias are not dangerous and do not impact athletic performance. Even so, regular check-ups are important for athletes to detect any irregularities in heart rhythm or anatomy.
MYTH 4: “If your heart rate gets too high during exercise, you could have a heart attack”
Heart rate during exercise and heart attacks are not directly related. Heart rate naturally increases with physical effort, and as long as it stays within recommended limits and there are no pre-existing risk conditions, this is not dangerous. The key is listening to your body. If you experience symptoms like dizziness, chest pain, or shortness of breath, it’s important to stop exercising and seek medical attention. Otherwise, a higher heart rate is simply a normal response to physical activity.
MYTH 5: “If you have a family history of heart disease, you shouldn’t exercise”
Having a family history of heart conditions doesn’t mean you should avoid exercise. On the contrary, regular physical activity can actually reduce the risk of developing heart disease, even when there’s a genetic predisposition.
What matters most is tailoring exercise to your needs and capacities, and having regular medical check-ups to monitor your health. Consulting a doctor before starting an exercise program is also a smart way to prevent complications.
MYTH 6: “Only cardio exercises like walking or running are good for your heart”
Cardiovascular exercises offer many benefits for heart health, such as improved circulation, lower blood pressure, and a stronger heart. However, other types of exercise, like strength or flexibility training, also contribute to a healthy heart.
The best approach is a balanced routine that combines cardio, strength, and flexibility exercises.
MYTH 7: “Athletes don’t need regular medical check-ups”
Even though athletes are physically fit, they should still undergo regular medical check-ups to ensure their cardiovascular health is in top condition. They may be more prone to certain heart conditions, such as arrhythmias or issues related to training overload.
Cardiac check-ups and sports medical check-ups—including tests like ECGs, echocardiograms, and stress tests—help detect possible abnormalities early on and allow for training adjustments when needed, ensuring safe practice and optimal performance.
In short, maintaining an active lifestyle is key to taking care of your heart, regardless of your age or fitness level. Don’t let myths hold you back— with proper exercise and regular medical check-ups like the ones we offer at CreuBlanca, you can ensure your heart stays in great shape.
If you have any doubts or concerns, don’t hesitate to consult our professionals in the Cardiology Unit and our Sports Medicine experts, who will help you monitor your cardiovascular health with a personalized approach.