Heart Health Misconceptions in Pella, Iowa

Since February is designated as Heart Health Awareness month, Dr. Jeffrey Allen and our staff at Allen Family Dentistry would like to dispel some common misconceptions about heart health. We take an interest in the overall health of every patient we treat. Your general wellbeing is very important to Dr. Allen and our staff. Below we have dispelled some common heart health myths.

1. All fats are unhealthy – While many fats are detrimental to heart health, not all fats are bad for your heart.  Unsaturated fats may contribute to good cholesterol levels. For example, olive oil, nuts, avocados, and fish are some healthy fats. We encourage our patients to incorporate healthy fats into their diet (in moderation, of course).
2. Only older people should worry about their heart – Although heart disease normally strikes our older patients, people of all ages can suffer from heart disease. Even though it is uncommon, teenagers and young adults have had heart attacks. We would like our patients to adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle at a young age.
3. Chest pain is always a sign of a heart attack – Chest pain is the most common symptom of a heart attack; however, other symptoms may indicate a heart attack as well. In fact, symptoms without chest pain are more common among women. For example, some women who have a heart attack may experience sudden fatigue and neck pain but not chest pain.

We would like to encourage our patients to educate their family and friends about heart disease. In addition, we believe that by adopting healthy eating habits and incorporating regular cardiovascular exercise, our patients can greatly reduce their risk of developing heart disease. Feel free to discuss your overall health with us, especially if you have a heart-related illness.

An Invitation for Your Family

Dr. Jeffrey Allen provides comfortable dental care to patients of all ages. Call (641) 628-1121 today to schedule a checkup and cleaning, cosmetic consultation, or second-opinion visit. We are located on the west side of the historic town square in Pella. IA. Please see the map for directions.