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Heart Health Pop Quiz

Did you know that the leading cause of death in the United States is heart disease?  Heart disease is responsible for one in five deaths, but it is largely preventable. Knowledge is power – especially when you are trying to live a heart-healthy life.

February is American Heart Month and a good time to find out how heart-smart you are. To find out, take this quick quiz based on information from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI).

True or False?

High blood pressure, or hypertension, happens when your blood pressure is consistently 130/80 mm Hg or higher.

True or False?

Your body mass index (BMI) is one way to measure if your weight is in a healthy range based on height and future risk for heart disease.

True or False?

Your body needs cholesterol in the right amounts for good health because it helps make hormones, vitamin D, and substances to help you digest foods.

True or False?

A heart-healthy diet includes eating lots of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, using fat-free or low-fat dairy products, and limiting foods high in saturated fat or sugar-sweetened beverages.

True or False?

Not enough or poor-quality sleep on a regular basis increases the risk of having high blood pressure, heart disease, and other medical conditions.

True or False?

To strengthen their heart, adults should aim to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity weekly, like brisk walking.  

Answers below.

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All the answers are true! How did you do?

The real test isn’t how well you know these facts but how well you apply them to your life. Your weight, waist size, blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels all affect your heart. Adding more physical activity to your day, eating a heart-healthy diet, managing stress, getting enough quality sleep, and not smoking can put you on the path to better heart health.

Sources: NHLBI.