Heart health advice is everywhere, but following well-known preventive tips without understanding the medical context can sometimes lead to unintended consequences. According to cardiologist and heart-transplant specialist Dr Dmitry Yaranov, many commonly accepted “heart-healthy” practices are misunderstood and may backfire when applied blindly. Drawing from years of clinical experience in advanced heart failure and cardiovascular care, he outlines ten habits he has personally stopped following and explains why modern heart care should always be personalised, evidence-based and risk-focused rather than driven by fear or isolated numbers.
One key area Dr Yaranov highlights is blood pressure monitoring. A single high reading does not necessarily mean hypertension, as blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day due to stress, sleep quality, caffeine intake and even walking into a clinic. Long-term trends provide far more reliable insight than one-off measurements.
He also cautions against obsessing over LDL cholesterol targets alone. While cholesterol levels matter, they are only one piece of a much larger puzzle that includes plaque burden, inflammation, metabolic health and age. Treating overall cardiovascular risk is far more important than chasing “perfect” lab numbers.
Another widely misunderstood practice is the routine use of aspirin for prevention. For most people without established cardiovascular disease, the bleeding risk often outweighs the benefits. Current medical guidance focuses on individual risk profiles rather than age-based aspirin use.
Dr Yaranov also warns against dismissing heart palpitations as anxiety. While stress can play a role, palpitations may stem from arrhythmias, thyroid disorders, anaemia, dehydration or sleep issues. Labeling symptoms too quickly can delay critical diagnosis and treatment.
Stress tests are another area where misconceptions exist. A normal stress test does not rule out dangerous soft plaque, which is often responsible for heart attacks. These tests evaluate blood flow under stress but cannot fully assess unstable plaque within arteries.
Salt intake is often demonised, yet Dr Yaranov explains that sodium is essential for normal body function. While salt restriction is necessary for people with heart failure or certain types of hypertension, metabolically healthy individuals may not benefit from aggressive low-sodium diets and could even experience hormonal stress responses.
Statins also receive unfair blame for muscle aches in many cases. Research shows that most reported muscle symptoms are nocebo-related rather than true drug intolerance. Statins remain one of the most effective medications for preventing heart attacks and strokes.
When it comes to GLP-1 weight-loss medications, stopping treatment prematurely can reverse progress. Obesity is a chronic metabolic condition, and discontinuing therapy often leads to weight regain and increased cardiometabolic risk.
Supplements are another hidden concern. “Natural” products can interact with heart medications, worsen arrhythmias or affect blood pressure and fluid balance. They are not risk-free and should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Finally, Dr Yaranov notes that calcium scores are often misunderstood. While useful for assessing long-term risk, calcium scans cannot detect soft plaque and should not be used as a diagnostic tool for chest pain or active symptoms.
Overall, his message is clear: heart health is nuanced, and preventive care should never be one-size-fits-all. Medical decisions should always be guided by evidence, individual risk factors and professional advice rather than assumptions or trends.