So If You Are Active Can You Still Get Heart Disease?
It’s a common misconception that being physically active means you’re immune to heart disease. While regular exercise is essential for maintaining heart health, it doesn’t completely eliminate the risk. In this blog, I’ll explain how heart disease can still affect active individuals, the risk factors that come into play, and what you can do to keep your heart healthy.
Does Exercise Guarantee Heart Health?
Staying active is one of the most effective ways to support cardiovascular health. It strengthens the heart muscle, improves circulation, helps maintain a healthy weight, and lowers the risk of developing conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, all of which are major contributors to heart disease. According to the British Heart Foundation, people who are physically active are around 50% less likely to develop coronary heart disease compared to those who aren’t.
However, being physically active doesn’t make you completely immune to heart disease. Heart disease can still occur in active people due to a combination of genetic factors, lifestyle choices, and other underlying health conditions. It’s important to understand that while exercise plays a crucial role in heart health, it’s just one piece of the puzzle.
Risk Factors That Can Still Affect Active People
Even if you lead an active lifestyle, certain risk factors can still increase your chances of developing heart disease. Some of the key risk factors include:
1. Genetics and Family History
Your genetic makeup plays a significant role in your risk of heart disease. If you have a family history of heart disease—particularly if close relatives like parents or siblings were diagnosed at an early age—your risk may be higher. Genetic predispositions can lead to conditions such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure, which can affect heart health, even in those who are physically active.
It’s always a good idea to discuss your family medical history with your doctor. They may recommend more frequent monitoring or preventative measures if your family history suggests a higher risk of heart disease.
2. High Cholesterol Levels
While exercise helps reduce cholesterol levels, it’s not always enough to combat high cholesterol on its own. Some individuals have high cholesterol due to genetic factors, known as familial hypercholesterolaemia. This condition can lead to the build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease, even in people who exercise regularly.
Regular blood tests can help monitor your cholesterol levels, and your doctor may suggest dietary changes or medications if necessary. The NHS provides useful information on managing cholesterol levels.
3. High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is often called the "silent killer" because it doesn’t always present noticeable symptoms. Even if you’re fit and active, high blood pressure can strain your heart and increase your risk of developing heart disease. Lifestyle factors such as stress, a poor diet, and even certain medications can raise blood pressure.
It’s important to have your blood pressure checked regularly, particularly if you have a family history of hypertension or other risk factors.
4. Smoking and Alcohol
Smoking significantly increases the risk of heart disease by damaging blood vessels and reducing oxygen levels in the blood. Unfortunately, smoking is still a major cause of heart disease, even in those who are otherwise healthy and active. The same goes for excessive alcohol consumption, which can raise blood pressure and contribute to weight gain—both of which are risk factors for heart disease.
If you smoke, quitting is one of the most effective ways to reduce your heart disease risk. For advice and support, the NHS offers a range of resources to help you quit.
5. Stress and Mental Health
Mental health can play a surprisingly significant role in heart health. Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to high blood pressure and unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as overeating or smoking. While exercise is an excellent stress-reliever, it’s not always enough on its own.
Learning to manage stress through mindfulness, relaxation techniques, or therapy can make a big difference to your overall health. Combining physical activity with mental health support is the most effective way to keep both your body and mind healthy.
Types of Heart Conditions That Can Affect Active People
Even if you exercise regularly, certain heart conditions can still develop. Some of the most common conditions that may affect active individuals include:
Coronary Artery Disease: This is caused by the build-up of plaque in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. Even in active people, factors like high cholesterol or a family history of heart disease can contribute to the narrowing of these arteries.
Arrhythmias: These are irregular heart rhythms that can affect anyone, including those who are fit. Arrhythmias may not always cause noticeable symptoms, but they can sometimes lead to more serious conditions like atrial fibrillation or sudden cardiac arrest.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: This is a genetic condition that causes the heart muscle to thicken, which can affect the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently. While it’s rare, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is one of the most common causes of sudden cardiac death in young athletes.
If you experience symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness during exercise, it’s important to seek medical advice. These can be warning signs of an underlying heart condition, and early detection is key.
How Can Active People Reduce Their Risk of Heart Disease?
While being active is a great way to support heart health, it’s also important to take a comprehensive approach to reduce your risk of heart disease. Here are a few key steps to consider:
Regular Check-Ups: Even if you’re feeling well, regular check-ups with your GP or cardiologist can help detect any early signs of heart disease. Screening tests like blood pressure monitoring, cholesterol tests, and ECGs can provide valuable insights.
Monitor Your Diet: Eating a heart-healthy diet is essential, even for those who are physically active. Focus on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limiting saturated fats, trans fats, and excess sodium can help keep your heart healthy.
Quit Smoking: If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your heart health. Smoking increases your risk of heart disease, regardless of your fitness level.
Manage Stress: Finding healthy ways to manage stress, such as meditation, mindfulness, or even regular breaks during the day, can reduce the strain on your heart.
Keep an Eye on Your Numbers: Monitoring your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and weight is important, even if you’re physically active. Regular health checks can help ensure you’re on the right track.
Conclusion
While staying physically active is an important factor in maintaining a healthy heart, it doesn’t completely eliminate the risk of heart disease. Genetics, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and lifestyle factors can all contribute to heart disease in active people. That’s why it’s important to take a holistic approach to your heart health—exercise is just one part of the puzzle.
If you have any concerns about your heart health or would like more advice on how to protect yourself against heart disease, don’t hesitate to contact us here for a consultation. If you want to do some checks on who has good reviews in your area, check out what some of our patients have said here
For more on maintaining heart health, check out our other blogs:
By staying informed and taking proactive steps, you can keep your heart in great shape, no matter how active you are. We hope this blog answered this commonly asked question!
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