Test Your Heart Health IQ!

Are you one of the many Americans who made a New Year's resolution to focus on cardiovascular health? See how much you know about taking care of your heart with this short quiz! (Answers appear below.)

1. The heart is a muscle.
   
   
2. Other diseases and conditions can make it more likely that you will develop heart disease.
   
   
3. A heart attack always begins with sharp chest pain.
   
   
4. The best thing to do if you experience heart attack symptoms is to call 9-1-1 right away.
   
   
5. Women need to worry more about breast cancer than heart disease.
   
   
6. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your heart.
   
   
7. If you have a family history of heart disease, you have exactly the same risk yourself.
   
   
8. High blood cholesterol is one of the top risk factors for heart attack.
   
   
9. As we grow older, it's best to rest as much as possible.
   
   
10. Even a person who has suffered a heart attack should exercise.
    
    
11. It's possible to eat a "heart smart" diet even if you dine out often.
    
    
12. Emotional stress and anxiety can worsen a heart condition.  

 Answers to "Test Your Heart Health IQ":

1. The heart is a muscle.

TRUE—The heart is the hardest working muscle in the body, pumping enough blood in your lifetime to fill a supertanker!

2. Other diseases and conditions can make it more likely that you will develop heart disease.

TRUE—A number of conditions, including hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol and diabetes, increase the risk of heart disease.

3. A heart attack always begins with sharp chest pain.

FALSE—A heart attack can begin slowly, with subtle signals. Symptoms can include:

• a feeling of pressure or discomfort in the chest
• discomfort in the arms, neck, back, jaw or stomach
• shortness of breath
• nausea, dizziness, sweating for no reason

4. The best thing to do if you experience heart attack symptoms is to call 9-1-1 right away.

TRUE—"Better safe than sorry" is very true when it comes to heart attack, and the sooner treatment begins, the better your chances. If you experience chest pain, especially if associated with any other of the signs in Question 3 above, call 9-1-1 right away. Acting quickly can save your life.

5. Women need to worry more about breast cancer than heart disease.

FALSE—Women are far more likely to die of cardiovascular disease than even from breast cancer. It is a myth that heart disease is primarily a men's health problem. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women, as well—and more women than men die within one year of a heart attack.

6. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your heart.

TRUE—Smoking is one of the top risk factors for heart disease. According to the American Heart Association, 430,000 Americans die every year from smoking-related illness. And secondhand smoke can harm the non-smokers around you.

7. If you have a family history of heart disease, you have exactly the same risk yourself.

FALSE—It's not all in the genes! A healthy lifestyle can cut your risk. Here are the steps to take:

• If you smoke, quit
• Take steps to lower blood pressure and cholesterol level
• Increase physical activity
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are diabetic, follow your care plan

8. High blood cholesterol is one of the top risk factors for heart attack.

TRUE—Lowering your cholesterol level through diet and lifestyle changes (and in some cases, medication) can cut your risk.

9. As we grow older, it's best to rest as much as possible.

FALSE—The older you are, the more important regular physical exercise is to your well-being. Inactivity can lead to a downward spiral of decline. Ask your healthcare provider about an exercise program that's right for you.

10. Even a person who has suffered a heart attack should exercise.

TRUE—For most patients, preventing another heart attack will include a cardiac rehabilitation program. Be sure you discuss your workout regimen with your healthcare provider and follow his or her instructions.

11. It's possible to eat a "heart smart" diet even if you dine out often.

TRUE—Most menus feature at least a few low-fat, low-cholesterol, low-sodium items. Avoid fried foods, instead selecting baked or broiled. (If you aren't sure how a dish is prepared, ask your server.) Skip dessert, and order your salad with low-fat dressing.

12. Emotional stress and anxiety can worsen a heart condition.

TRUE—Stressful emotions can raise your blood pressure, causing your heart to work harder. Lifestyle changes and relaxation techniques can help lessen the effects of stress.

For More Information

The American Heart Association website is a wonderful resource for preventing or living with heart disease. A few highlights are the consumer and patient education materials, other healthy lifestyle resources, and lifestyle and risk reduction information. If you like to dine at restaurants, check out "Tips for Eating Out," which includes heart smart dining suggestions for favorites like Italian, Mexican, and Chinese cuisine, as well as fast food and family restaurants.

The National Heart, Blood and Lung Institute website contains information and resources about cardiovascular health. The diet section offers an online brochure about the "DASH eating plan" for lowering blood pressure, as well as other heart smart recipe books, including "Heart Healthy Home Cooking African American Style." 

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