9 medical myths about heart attacks and strokes

The statements below are common heart attack and stroke myths and misconceptions that most people continue to believe. Read on to find out what's wrong with these myths.

1. If you don't have chest pain, you can't be having a heart attack.

False. In a heart attack, blood supply to the heart muscle is interrupted and heart muscle cells start to die, which may cause chest pain — but not necessarily. About one in three people admitted to the hospital with a heart attack does not have severe chest pain.

2. A heart attack gives you sudden, intense pain.

Not always. In some people it does — as in the classic "TV heart attack," where actors clutch their chest in agony. But most real heart attacks build up more slowly, with milder pain or discomfort.

3. If you're worried you may be having a heart attack or stroke, you should call your doctor.

False. Call an ambulance immediately.

4. Heart attacks are rare in women.

False. Truth is, a woman is four times more likely to die from a heart attack than from breast cancer. After menopause, heart attacks kill more women than men.

5. Strokes cannot be prevented.

False. Strokes are largely preventable. Quitting smoking, reducing high blood pressure, losing excess weight and getting regular exercise all drastically reduce risk. A landmark 2009 study involving more than 20,000 adults revealed that people who either smoked, drank excessively, were inactive or ate few or no fruits or vegetables were more than twice as likely to suffer a stroke.

6. There's no effective treatment for a stroke.

False. Doctors tell you to get to the hospital as soon as possible so that you can get effective treatment quickly. For the most common type of stroke, one that a blood clot causes, treatment with clot-busting drugs within 4 1/2 hours can significantly reduce the chance of death or permanent disability — the sooner you get them, the better.

7. Strokes only affect old people.

False.On the contrary, more than a quarter of strokes occur in people under the age of 65. Even children can be affected, though this is very rare.

8. Strokes do not run in the family.

False. Your risk of a stroke rises if a parent, grandparent or sibling has had a stroke, especially if they had high blood pressure.

9. Stroke recovery is not possible after the first few weeks.

False.While the most significant improvements occur in the early weeks, recovery can continue for months, even years, particularly if care and rehabilitation begin early.

Instead of remembering these heart attack and stroke myths, remember the reality. And if you or someone around you shows signs of heart attack or stroke be sure to call an ambulance as soon as possible.