Myth or truth about your heart health

Specialists from Cleveland Clinic’s Heart & Vascular Institute give details concerning some popular heart health beliefs. Find out if they are true or false and what you need to know on these topics on the site Health Cleveland Clinic.org.

True or False?

The peak hours for sudden cardiac death (SCD) are between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m.

True, says cardiologist Curtis Rimmerman, MD, Clinical Cardiology

Dr. Rimmerman goes on to say:

Morning heart attacks had previously been linked to levels of circulating cortisol, which increases before awakening. A more recent study* suggests an alternative protein (KLF15) may be the cause. It was found that when the KLF15 levels are low upon waking, the risk for heart attack was greater; people with heart disease have lower levels of this protein.

Note: A defibrillator is necessary to stop this heart event. If you wake up light headed, short of breath or having chest pressure, call 911 immediately.

True or False?

The pain in my legs must be a sign of aging and would have nothing to do with my heart.

False, says vascular specialist Natalie Evans, MD, Cardiovascular Medicine

Dr. Evans goes on to explain:

 There is a condition called peripheral arterial disease (PAD) which happens as a result of plaque and cholesterol buildup in the arteries throughout the body, not just your coronary arteries. This can gradually restrict the blood flow to your legs and arms and vital organs. When the arteries leading to your legs narrow, you may feel pain, cramping or weakness in your legs. Often you will feel it in the calves when you are exerting yourself.

Having PAD increases your risk for coronary artery disease (CAD). Narrowed arteries can cause both PAD and CAD, and often physicians will use the same medications to treat and manage both diseases.

True or False?

Drinking water at a certain time of day maximizes its effectiveness on the body and can prevent heart attack.

False, says cardiac surgeon A. Marc Gillinov, MD, Cardiothoracic Surgery

Dr. Gillinov had the following to say about this myth:

 Content about this has been circulating on Facebook and some supporting articles. Claims say drinking water in the morning just after waking up helps to activate the internal organs. Others say a glass of water before going to bed helps you avoid stroke or heart attack. There are many things that each of us can and should do to maximize health. Drinking water instead of a full calorie soda is a great way to keep excess weight off. But there is no data to suggest that “when” you drink water matters. Choose water over most other drinks. But don’t schedule your drinking according to a fictitious claim that the time you drink it matters.

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