Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States. It’s estimated that someone in the U.S. dies of heart disease every 34 seconds. Unfortunately, misinformation about heart health is more widespread than ever. Social media posts, wellness trends and oversimplified advice can stall heart health improvement or cause problems long-term. Many heart health myths feel reassuring, especially ideas like “I’m young, so I don’t need to worry about my heart” or “I feel fine, so my heart must be fine.” However, those half-baked beliefs can delay important heart health checkups and early detection.
Heart disease risk factors often develop long before symptoms appear. Understanding what affects your heart and knowing when cardiovascular screenings are appropriate can help detect issues earlier. Read on to learn the truth behind common heart health myths and find out more about routine heart health screenings.
Myth vs. Reality: “Heart Disease Only Affects Older People”
One of the more common heart health myths is that heart disease only affects older adults. Many people under 40 or 50 years old assume cardiovascular issues are something to worry about later, not during their younger years. This belief can make it easy to skip routine wellness checkups and ignore early warning signs.
In reality, heart disease risk factors develop over time. Risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, chronic stress, family history and smoking can affect younger adults, even when they feel healthy. Changes in blood vessels and heart function often begin years before noticeable symptoms appear. Thinking about heart health early is essential to establishing prevention and awareness behavior.
Routine wellness exams and heart health screenings, such as checking blood pressure, reviewing family history and monitoring cholesterol levels, can help identify risks early. These tools are meant to keep people ahead of potential cardiovascular health issues instead of simply reacting once something goes wrong.
Myth vs. Reality: “If I Don’t Have Chest Pain, My Heart Must Be Fine”
Many people assume that chest pain is the only heart-related symptom worth paying attention to. If they aren’t experiencing sharp or intense chest pain, they believe their heart is healthy. While chest pain can be an important warning sign, it is not the only one to look out for.
Heart-related issues can sometimes present as chronic fatigue, shortness of breath or discomfort in the neck, jaw, arms or back. These symptoms can be subtle and may show up differently in men versus how they present in women. Not every symptom signals an emergency, but consistently ignoring unusual changes because they don’t match the “classic” signs of heart disease can be risky.
Knowing what feels normal for your body is important. If something feels persistently off, especially alongside other heart disease risk factors, it’s definitely worth talking with a healthcare provider. Prompt evaluation and early detection can help rule out concerns or catch heart-related issues before they worsen.
Myth vs. Reality: “I Exercise and Eat OK, So I Don’t Need Heart Checkups”
Another common heart health myth is that being physically active and eating a balanced diet means you don’t need to worry about your heart health. While maintaining a daily exercise regimen and eating a nutrient-dense diet are essential parts of heart health, they don’t replace routine medical care. This mindset can lead people to skip wellness checkups, as they assume their lifestyle habits alone are enough to prevent heart disease.
Factors such as genetics, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, sleep and long-term stress all influence heart health, even in people who exercise regularly and eat a fairly balanced diet. Given that heart disease can develop silently without obvious symptoms, preventive wellness exams that include a basic heart health screening can reveal heart health problems before they develop further. Preventive healthcare isn’t about finding problems where none exist. It’s about confirming that healthy habits are working and making personalized adjustments if they aren’t. Routine wellness checkups help turn good intentions into long-term protection for your heart.
Myth vs. Reality: “Heart Health Is Only About Avoiding a Heart Attack”
When people think about their heart health, it’s understandable that they would be more likely to focus on dramatic events like heart attacks, strokes or cardiac arrest. While those life-threatening medical emergencies matter, heart health is also about your everyday heart function and long-term well-being.
Maintaining healthy blood circulation, managing your blood pressure and ensuring optimal heart efficiency affects your energy levels, stamina and how your body operates during physical activity. Chronic health conditions like high blood pressure or early artery changes may not cause immediate symptoms, but they can quietly strain your heart over time. When identified early, these heart health issues can often be managed for years to come.
Prioritizing your heart health means looking beyond cardiovascular emergencies and thinking about your heart health long-term. Healthy lifestyle changes, combined with routine wellness checkups, can slow heart disease progression and reduce the risk of serious health complications down the road. Preventive healthcare helps protect not just your heart, but your overall quality of life as well.
What Does a Basic Heart Health Screening Actually Include?
Now that we have separated heart health myths from facts, you are likely wondering what a typical heart health screening actually involves. At Midwest Express Clinic, a heart health screening starts with simple measurements of your vitals such as blood pressure, heart rate and body weight. These vitals provide valuable insight into how hard your heart is working and how well it is functioning in your day-to-day life.
After checking your vitals, one of our providers will ask about your lifestyle habits, stress levels, physical activity, sleep hygiene and family medical history. Depending on your age, symptoms and personal risk factors, blood tests to check your cholesterol or blood sugar levels may also be recommended. These lab tests help uncover potential heart health issues that may not cause noticeable symptoms yet.
Heart health screening is not a one-size-fits-all checklist. Healthcare providers tailor their recommendations and guidance based on your individual needs, health history and risk factors. Asking your provider, “Am I due for a heart health screening this year?” is a simple and easy way to start the conversation. Choosing a specific month to schedule a wellness checkup can be a simple first step toward prioritizing your heart health.
Turning 2026 Into the Year You Take Your Heart Health Seriously
Heart health myths may feel comforting, but they can quietly increase risk by delaying care. Replacing assumptions with action is one of the most effective ways to protect your heart, whether it’s scheduling a heart health screening or having a conversation with a healthcare provider about your personal risk factors. In addition to routine wellness checkups, small, consistent lifestyle changes can make a meaningful difference over time.
If it’s been a while since your last wellness exam, or if you’re unsure where you stand, now is a good time to act. Take a proactive step toward protecting your heart by heading to Midwest Express Clinic for a routine wellness exam. Getting your heart and your overall health checked each year can help safeguard your well-being in 2026 and beyond.
Find convenient, comprehensive urgent and everyday care near you, at midwestexpressclinic.com/locations.
