What's Your Risk?
Take the Women's Heart Health Quiz!
1. My age:
a. Under 65 (0 points)
b. Over 65 (2 points)
Help offset your risk for heart disease by getting plenty of physical activity, eating nutritiously, seeing your doctor regularly, and managing stress.
2. I have been diagnosed with high blood pressure.
a. No. My blood pressure is normal. (0 points)
b. Yes. I have high blood pressure. (2 points)
3. I have been diagnosed with diabetes.
a. No. (0 points)
b. Yes. (2 points)
4. My cholesterol level is:
a. Below 200 mg/dl (0 points)
b. 201-239 mg/dl (1 points)
c. Above 240 mg/dl (2 points)
d. I don't know my cholesterol level (2 points)
Have your blood cholesterol level checked regularly. A level of 240mg/dl or above roughly doubles your risk of coronary artery disease.
5. I have a male parent, sibling, or offspring < 55 or, a female parent offspring or sibling < 60 with a history of heart disease.
a. No. (0 points)
b. Yes. (3 points)
5. I have a male parent, sibling, or offspring < 55 or, a female parent offspring or sibling < 60 with a history of heart disease.
a. No. (0 points)
b. Yes. (3 points)
Healthy habits such as eating right, not smoking and exercising regularly are especially important if you have a family history of heart disease. We can't change the genes we're born with, but we can work to eliminate all controllable risk factors.
6. My body weight is:
a. About the right or slightly less than the norm. (0 points)
b. Over the norm by less than 20 pounds. (1 points)
c. Over the norm by more than 20 pounds (2 points)
Keeping your weight within a normal range increases your chances of good health and a longer life. Studies have found that obese people (more than 30 pounds overweight) are more prone to develop a higher blood pressure, enlarged hearts, and thicker walls in the heart's pumping chambers. A low-fat diet coupled with plenty of physical activity can help prevent these conditions.
7. My normal exercise pattern is:
a. An hour a day, at least 4 times a week. (O points)
b. 3 or 4 hours a week, but not all at once. (1 points)
c. I only walk around the house/office (2 points)
Just 30 minutes of activity (such as swimming, bicycling, or a brisk walk) at least four times a week can help maintain heart health.
8. My eating habits:
a. I eat nutritious foods and only indulge in sweets/fats occasionally.(O points)
b. I don't plan meals which means I could eat more healthfully (1 points)
c. I eat whatever I want to eat even if it's high in saturated fats or calories. (2 points)
To maintain good overall health, eat low-fat, high-fiber foods at every meal.
9. My tobacco use:
a. I don't smoke, or I quit more than 3 years ago. (O points)
b. I smoke one pact a day. (4 points)
c. I smoke two or more packs a day. (5 points)
If you've never smoked, or have completely quit, congratulations! If you do smoke�stop NOW. Studies show that after quitting smoking for three years, your heart becomes almost as healthy as it would have been if you'd never smoked at all.
Woman's Heart Health Quiz Results:
7 or fewer points:
Good job! You're at reduced risk for heart disease, but it's still a good idea to visit your health care provider on a regular basis and get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked. Keep exercising regularly, and continue good eating habits.
8 to 14 points:
You may be a moderate risk for heart disease. See your health care provider regularly for exams and to get your blood pressure and cholesterol checks. With lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, eating low fat foods and saying active, there's room for improvement�and a healthier heart!
15 to 22 points:
Unfortunately, you may be a high risk for heart disease. See your health care provider soon, and discuss the answers you gave to this quiz. Take a positive approach, starting today�change your lifestyle to incorporate physical activity that you enjoy, eat flavorful low-fat high-fiber foods, and if you smoke, quit right now.
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