For Dr Abdul Mozid, a consultant cardiologist at Nuffield Health Leeds Hospital<\/a>, the problem is not a lack of information but a misunderstanding of it. Many patients arrive reassured by half-truths \u2014 about cholesterol, sleep or \u201cstress\u201d symptoms \u2014 that mask more serious underlying issues. Here, he sets out the six myths he most wants people to stop believing \u2014 and explains why getting the facts straight could be lifesaving\u2026<\/p>\n 1. \u2018Getting out of breath is just a sign of getting older\u2019<\/p>\n Many people attribute breathlessness to ageing, being out of shape or carrying extra weight<\/a>. While these factors can contribute to it, unexplained or new-onset breathlessness is one of the most common early warning signs of heart disease. When the heart cannot pump efficiently, fluid can build up in the lungs, making simple activities feel disproportionately difficult. Breathlessness that occurs with minimal exertion, when lying flat or that is progressively worsening should never be ignored. Early assessment can identify treatable causes such as coronary artery disease, heart valve problems or heart failure<\/a>. The key message is that persistent breathlessness is not something to \u201cpush through\u201d \u2014 it\u2019s something to check.<\/p>\n 2. \u2018Sleep has little effect on the heart\u2019<\/p>\n Sleep is often overlooked in discussions about heart health, yet it plays a crucial regulatory role. Poor or fragmented sleep increases stress hormone levels, raises blood pressure, disrupts glucose metabolism and promotes inflammation \u2014 all of which contribute to cardiovascular disease. Conditions such as obstructive sleep apnoea are strongly linked to high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, stroke and heart failure. Chronic sleep deprivation<\/a> is also associated with weight gain and poorer lifestyle choices, further compounding risk. Good-quality sleep is not a luxury; it is a pillar of cardiovascular health alongside diet and exercise.<\/p>\n New FeatureIn ShortQuick Stories. Same trusted journalism.<\/p>\n 3. \u2018If you exercise, your heart will be healthy\u2019<\/p>\n Exercise provides enormous cardiovascular benefit, but it does not neutralise the impact of an unhealthy lifestyle. A poor diet high in saturated fats, refined sugars and salt promotes high cholesterol, diabetes and hypertension, regardless of activity levels. Excess alcohol<\/a> raises blood pressure and contributes to heart rhythm disturbances. Similarly, inadequate sleep increases long-term risk even in physically active individuals. Think of heart health as cumulative \u2014 exercise is protective, but it works best as part of a broader pattern of healthy behaviours. You cannot \u201cout-exercise\u201d sustained metabolic stress.<\/p>\n 4. \u2018Only \u201cbad\u201d cholesterol matters\u2019<\/p>\n The traditional idea of \u201cgood\u201d and \u201cbad\u201d cholesterol can be misleading. HDL cholesterol has been labelled \u201cgood,\u201d but having a high HDL does not cancel out the harmful effects of elevated LDL cholesterol<\/a>. LDL plays a direct role in the formation of atherosclerotic plaque within arteries. Cardiovascular risk is driven largely by cumulative exposure to LDL over time. While HDL may be associated with lower risk in some contexts, it does not provide immunity. Managing LDL remains central to reducing heart attack and stroke risk, regardless of HDL levels.<\/p>\n 5. \u2018It\u2019s just anxiety\u2019<\/p>\n Women are more likely to present with less \u201cclassic\u201d heart attack symptoms, such as fatigue, nausea, breathlessness, jaw pain or back discomfort. These symptoms are sometimes misattributed to anxiety, stress,<\/a> or hormonal fluctuations, leading to delays in diagnosis. While chest pain remains common in women, it may be less dramatic or accompanied by additional symptoms. Greater awareness \u2014 among both patients and clinicians \u2014 is essential. If symptoms are new, persistent, or exertion-related, cardiac causes must be considered. Early recognition saves lives.<\/p>\n 6. \u2018Heart disease is an older person problem\u2019<\/p>\n![\"Close-up](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/SEI_287534927.jpg\")
Exercise provides enormous cardiovascular benefit \u2013 but other factors also contribute to heart health (Photo: Grace Cary\/Getty\/Moment RF)<\/p>\n