José Abellán, cardiologist: “The biggest myth is that a glass of wine a day is good for the heart”

For years, cardiology has been surrounded by common beliefs that, although they may sound reasonable or even healthy, are not always supported by current scientific evidence. From the well-known idea that drinking a daily glass of wine protects the heart to other recommendations passed down from generation to generation, many of these messages have shaped how people understand and care for their cardiovascular health.

However, people should not be misled by these false myths, as cardiologist José Abellán explained in an interview on ConPdePodcast: “The biggest myth about the heart is that having a small glass of wine every day is good for it. Another one is that when we exercise and our heart rate speeds up, people get very nervous because they think it is dangerous. Or the belief that after a heart attack you should live a very calm, inactive life. There are so many of them. Those are the biggest ones.”

“Globally speaking, the most accurate recommendation is zero wine, along with a combination of strength training and cardio, which is the healthiest approach, while prioritizing staying physically active,” the doctor adds. He also points out that the belief about wine is widespread even among medical professionals: “The most common myth among healthcare professionals? The daily glass of wine is still part of the system.”

Misunderstood medicine

Abellán also used the interview to advocate for a different way of practicing medicine, one that is more comprehensive and focuses on the person rather than only on the patient who arrives sick and needs a diagnosis.

“I’m going to open a big debate: the most widespread myth among my colleagues is thinking that cardiology is only what they know through the healthcare system. In other words, that cardiology is about finding heart disease, diagnosing it with great precision, and prescribing the appropriate treatment.”

“Cardiovascular health goes far beyond that. If we were able to step back and see not just a sick patient but a person, you would realize that when someone is admitted to the hospital, something has happened,” the medical professional says.

“But if that person is 49 years old, they have spent 49 years living in what we call ‘health,’ and you are meeting them only at the moment they become ill. You are trained to diagnose what is happening and prescribe treatment,” he reflects.

“But if you step back and look at that person from the beginning, you understand that the cardiovascular disease probably began developing decades before you ever met them,” Abellán points out.

“To treat the heart properly, we must look at what that person has been doing and change those habits so the disease does not return. Cardiovascular disease is highly influenced by habits and lifestyle,” he explains.

Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.

And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.