Heart Disease Risk Checklist

By:
iVillage Health & Well-Being Staff Writer

Take this quick quiz to find out how you can reduce your risk of heart attack and brain attack (stroke). Start by becoming aware of your risk factors -- the personal characteristics and habits that increase your chances of developing heart disease or stroke. Some you can't change or control; some you can, by making a few changes in your daily habits. By taking this quiz, you will learn where to focus your efforts.

Your AGE may increase your risk if...

___ You are a man over 45 years old.
___ You are a woman over 55 years old or have passed menopause or had your ovaries removed.

Your FAMILY HISTORY may increase your risk if...

___ You have a father or brother who had a heart attack before age 55, or a mother or sister who had one before age 65.
___ You have a close blood relative who had a brain attack (a stroke).

Cigarette and tobacco SMOKE increases your risk if...

___ You smoke, or live or work with people who smoke every day.

Your total CHOLESTEROL and HDL cholesterol levels may increase your risk if...

___ Your total cholesterol level is 240 mg/dl or higher.
___ Your HDL ("good") cholesterol level is less than 35 mg/dl.
___ You don't know your total cholesterol or HDL levels.

Your BLOOD PRESSURE may increase your risk if...

___ Your blood pressure is 140/90 or higher, or you have been told that your blood pressure is too high.
___ You don't know what your blood pressure is.

PHYSICAL INACTIVITY may increase your risk if...

___ You get less than a total of 30 minutes of physical activity at least three days per week.

Excess BODY WEIGHT may increase your risk if...

___ You are 20 pounds or more overweight.

DIABETES increases your risk if...

___ You have diabetes or need medicine to control your blood sugar.

Your MEDICAL HISTORY may increase your risk if...

___ You have coronary artery disease, or you have had a heart attack.
___ A doctor said you have carotid artery disease, or you have had a stroke.
___ You have an abnormal heartbeat.

Working to reduce, control or prevent as many risk factors as you can is your best defense against heart disease and stroke. Your heart and brain will thank you for taking care of yourself... and so will your loved ones.

For more information on heart disease and stroke, contact your local office of the American Heart Association.