Cardiologist Reveals 10 Heart Health Habits To Avoid For Better Prevention

Many behaviours deemed “heart-healthy” are embraced with good intentions - yet, without proper medical context, some preventive actions may inadvertently cause harm.

Whether it's taking medications on one’s own or fixating on individual test outcomes, pursuing optimal care for the wrong reasons might do more damage than anticipated.

With extensive experience, Dmitry Yaranov, a cardiologist specialising in heart-transplant surgery, advanced heart failure, and mechanical circulatory assistance, explains the cardiovascular habits he has abandoned, emphasising that evidence, personal risk factors, and medical detailing are more crucial than generalised prevention approaches.

In a video shared on Instagram on Tuesday, the doctor shares insights from his cardiology experience, exploring why he has chosen to forego these routines.

Variability In Blood Pressure

Dr Yaranov notes that relying on one blood pressure measurement is not recommended, as levels fluctuate daily based on various factors like stress and activities.

He specifies, “Blood pressure is highly variable - sleep, stress, caffeine, pain, and even walking into the clinic can spike it. Trends tell the truth, not single readings.”

Limited Insight From LDL Levels

The doctor asserts that pursuing "ideal" LDL values doesn't reflect true heart health, as many other important factors impact heart wellness beyond just lab numbers.

He says, “Absolute LDL numbers matter less than plaque burden, inflammation, metabolic profile, and age. Risk-based therapy beats 'perfect' lab targets.”

Aspirin For Prevention

While many opt for aspirin as a preventive as they age, Dr Yaranov advises that, for most people, the potential bleeding risks overshadow the heart health benefits.

He mentions, “For most people, the bleeding risk outweighs the preventive benefit. Modern guidance focuses on real cardiovascular risk, not birthdays.”

Attributing Palpitations To Anxiety

Palpitations may arise from various cardiac issues, and attributing them solely to stress could be hazardous.

Dr Yaranov underscores, “Palpitations often come from PVCs, PACs, SVT, Afib, anaemia, thyroid issues, dehydration, or sleep disorders - all missed if we label it ‘anxiety’.”

Stress Testing For Blockage Detection

The expert notes stress tests don’t account for soft plaque, a key cause of heart attacks.

He states, “Stress tests miss soft plaque - the unstable plaque that actually causes heart attacks. A normal test doesn’t mean arteries are clean.”

Perceiving Salt As Harmful

While often vilified, salt is crucial for normal body operations and doesn’t need to be avoided by metabolically healthy individuals, says Dr Yaranov.

He adds, “Salt restriction matters for heart failure and some hypertension, but metabolically healthy people don’t need aggressive low-sodium diets. Too little can even raise stress hormones.”

Blaming Muscle Pains On Statins

He emphasises that statins are potent cardiovascular drugs, and most reported side effects are more nocebo-related than actual.

He remarks, “Most complaints about statin-induced muscle pain are nocebo effects, not genuine intolerance. Statins remain the top drugs for heart health protection.”

Discontinuing GLP-1 Medications

A misunderstanding of GLP-1 drugs can lead some to stop after reaching weight goals, but the specialist warns that stopping typically leads to weight regain.

Dr Yaranov advises, “Obesity is a chronic, relapsing metabolic disease. Stopping GLP-1 therapy almost always leads to rebound weight and returning cardiometabolic risk.”

Rethinking Supplement Safety

Dr Yaranov warns that many supplements, even natural ones, could interfere with cardiac medications or worsen heart conditions.

He says, “‘Natural’ doesn’t mean safe - many supplements interact with rhythm meds, blood thinners, BP meds, and statins. Some worsen arrhythmias or fluid retention.”

Calcium Scores And Heart Disease Indicators

He explains calcium scoring fails to detect soft plaque, making it unsuited for diagnosing chest pain or heart-related symptoms.

He explains, “Calcium scoring can’t see soft plaque. It’s a risk tool, not a diagnostic test for chest pain or symptoms. Score zero lowers risk but doesn’t make you disease or symptom proof.”

Note to readers: This content serves informational purposes and is not a replacement for expert medical guidance. It is derived from user-generated social media content.