THE HEART TRUTH QUIZ

Take The Heart Truth quiz to learn more about your risk profile. You can click on the "risk snapshot" to get the answer to each question instantly. You can also choose to answer all 15 questions first and then click the submit button at the bottom of the page to get your complete quiz results.

This Web article is not intended to be a substitute for a physician’s advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should consult your physician for specific information on personal health matters. Read full disclaimer.

FAMILY HISTORY

Do you have a relative who had a heart attack or stroke before age 65, or a male relative who had a heart attack or stroke before age 55?



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ATTENTION

FAMILY HISTORY

You may have a family history of heart disease or stroke.

If you have relatives who have experienced heart disease and stroke before age 65, you may be at higher risk for these diseases. Your increased risk may be due to genetic or lifestyle similarities.

Tip

Make sure your doctor knows your family history of heart disease and stroke.

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CONGRATULATIONS!

FAMILY HISTORY

You do not have a family history of heart disease or stroke.

If none of your relatives has experienced heart disease or stroke before the specified ages, you are unlikely to have an increased genetic risk for these diseases. However, your age and lifestyle factors, such as whether you are overweight or a smoker, can still put you in a high-risk category. Having a low genetic risk and a healthy lifestyle are the winning combination.

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AGE

How old are you?




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CONGRATULATIONS!

AGE

You are under age 40.

Women under 40 are at a relatively low risk for heart disease, but lifestyle choices they make early in life can dramatically increase their risk in later years.

Tip

Work towards a healthier lifestyle. Even a small change, like adding a Ziploc bag of veggies in your lunch bag every day, can add up to a major reduction in your future risks.

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ATTENTION

AGE

You are between the ages of 40 and 60.

Women between the ages of 40 and 60 are experiencing the effects of pre-menopause or menopause, which increases their risk of heart disease and stroke. This is because women's natural estrogen levels offer them some protection against these diseases, and during and after menopause, a woman's estrogen levels decrease.

Tip

Getting 30 minutes of exercise each day and eating five servings of fruits and vegetables can significantly offset the effects of menopause on your risk profile.

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ATTENTION

AGE

You are over age 60.

As you age, your risk for heart disease and stroke increase. You no longer have the added protection of high estrogen levels, and you may develop other conditions that increase your risk, such as high blood pressure or weight gain.

Tip

Even a small amount of exercise can reduce your risk of heart disease. Research shows that as little as 72 minutes per week can improve heart fitness and reduce waist measurements.

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ETHNICITY

What ethnicity are you?








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ETHNICITY

You belong to a higher-risk ethnicity.

Research shows that African Canadians, First Nations, Inuit and Métis people, and South Asians from India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have a greater chance of developing high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.

Tip

Increased risks among certain ethnic groups may be a combination of lifestyle factors and genetics. Try recipes for heart-healthy versions of your favourite traditional recipes. An internet search will reveal hundreds of low-fat versions of popular ethnic foods.

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CAUTION

ETHNICITY

You do not belong to a higher-risk ethnicity.

Some ethnicities, such as South Asian, First Nations, Inuit, Metis and African or Caribbean Canadian, are at a higher risk for heart disease and stroke because of their heritage and/or their diet. If you are of Caucasian or Asian descent, your ethnicity does not pose an additional risk for heart disease and stroke. However, lifestyle and other factors can still put you in a higher-risk category.

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ACTIVITY LEVELS

How often do you exercise?



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ACTIVITY LEVELS

You exercise less than 30 minutes per day.

Many women find it challenging to make time for physical activity in their busy lives, but being inactive means your risk of heart disease and stroke is two times higher.

Tip

Try gentle exercise like a beginner's yoga class or a brisk, 30-minute walk. Exercise helps prevent and control a range of risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity.

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CONGRATULATIONS!

ACTIVITY LEVELS

You exercise more than 30 minutes per day.

Good for you! If you're getting 30 minutes of exercise a day, you're already experiencing the many benefits of an active lifestyle-higher energy, lower stress levels, sleeping better and looking and feeling great. Keep it up!

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SMOKING

Do you smoke?



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SMOKING

You are a smoker.

Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for heart disease and stroke. In fact, smokers have nearly double the risk of certain types of stroke.

Tip

If you choose just one lifestyle change to reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke, it should be to quit smoking. The good news is that avoiding cigarettes offers instant rewards; just 24 hours after quitting, your chance of heart attack decreases. And after one year, your risk of heart attack is half that of a smoker. Call the Health Canada Quit Line for your province or visit the Quit Smoking website for the information and support you need.

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CONGRATULATIONS!

SMOKING

You do not smoke.

Good for you! If you don't smoke, you can feel good about cutting your risk of heart disease in stroke in half. If you quit smoking recently, here's an encouraging fact:, after one year of having quit, your risk of heart attack will be half that of a smoker!

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BODY MASS INDEX

What is your body mass index (BMI)? Type your weight and height into the spaces below to calculate your BMI.


 lbs
 ft  inches

Your BMI is:



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CONGRATULATIONS!

BODY MASS INDEX

Your Body Mass Index is less than 24.

You are at a healthy body weight. But remember that abdominal fat is more of a health risk than other types of fat. This means that even slimmer women who are apple-shaped rather than pear-shaped (carrying most of their weight around their middle rather than their hips and thighs) can have a higher risk for heart disease and stroke.

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ATTENTION

BODY MASS INDEX

Your Body Mass Index is 25 or more.

Women who are 30 per cent over their healthy body weight (a BMI of 25) are two to three times more likely to develop heart disease. Being overweight can lead to other problems affecting your heart, such as high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels and diabetes.

Abdominal fat is more of a health risk than other types of fat, so women who are apple-shaped rather than pear-shaped (carry most of their weight around their middle rather than their hips and thighs) tend to have a higher risk for a number of diseases, including heart disease and stroke.

Tip

A combination of a healthier diet and more exercise can make a big difference in the way you look and feel. Try substituting low-fat recipes for favourite foods like cheesecake and omelettes and aim for 30 minutes of exercise each day.

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ALCOHOL USE

How often do you drink alcohol?



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CONGRATULATIONS!

ALCOHOL USE

You drink less than two alcoholic drinks per day.

If you drink less than two drinks per day, you're within healthy guidelines for alcohol consumption.

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ATTENTION

ALCOHOL USE

You drink more than two alcoholic drinks per day.

Drinking too much of any type of alcohol can increase your blood pressure and contribute to the development of heart disease and stroke.

Tip

Talk to your doctor about the risks of drinking alcohol, especially if you have high blood pressure. Try drinking wine spritzers made with equal parts wine and seltzer water, or alternating alcoholic beverages with fruit juice or mineral water.

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DIET

How often do you eat high-fat foods such as fast foods, fried foods, cookies, chips or cake?



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CONGRATULATIONS!

DIET

You eat high-fat foods less than once a week.

Good for you! You are probably eating a sensible diet that's low in saturated and trans fats, which is keeping your cholesterol levels low. And since triglyceride levels (a fat that is connected to high cholesterol levels) may be a more serious risk factor for women than for men, your healthy diet is going a long way to reduce your risk.

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ATTENTION

DIET

You eat high-fat foods more than once a week.

Eating foods that are high in saturated and trans fats can elevate your cholesterol and triglycerides levels, which is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke. And women must be extra-careful, as research shows that high triglyceride levels may be a more serious risk factor for women than for men.

Tip

There are lower-fat, heart-healthy versions of your favourite foods, including blueberry pancakes, cheesecake and beef stroganoff. Try these healthy eating tips and recipes from the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

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STRESS LEVELS

How often do you feel stressed or anxious?




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CONGRATULATIONS!

STRESS LEVELS

You seldom feel stressed or anxious.

That's great! If you feel calm and relaxed most of the time, you are helping to protect your heart. Long-term, unmanaged stress can raise your blood pressure-the number-one risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

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CAUTION

STRESS LEVELS

You feel stressed or anxious occasionally.

Your stress levels can affect your heart health. Women who experience high stress levels, anxiety and depression may have higher blood cholesterol, increased blood pressure or be more prone to developing atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries).

Tip

Even if you're juggling family and work commitments, take time for yourself at least once a week. Take an exercise class, go for a long walk or get out and do something you enjoy. Or try the Heart and Stroke Foundation's online tips and tools for stress management.

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ATTENTION

STRESS LEVELS

You feel stressed or anxious most of the time.

High stress levels can take their toll on your heart health. High stress levels, anxiety and depression can lead to higher blood cholesterol, increased blood pressure and increased risk of atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries).

Tip

Women can lead stressful lives as they juggle the responsibilities of work and family life. If you are having trouble coping with the stress in your life, talk to your doctor about stress management options. The Heart and Stroke Foundation also offers online tips and tools for stress management.

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DIABETES

Do you have diabetes?




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DIABETES

You have diabetes.

Women with diabetes are three to seven times more likely to get heart disease than women who don't-in fact, almost 4 out of 5 of people with diabetes will die of a heart attack or stroke. And women with diabetes are at greater risk of developing heart disease and stroke than men with the disease.

Tip

Keeping your diabetes under control is very important to your heart health. Exercise regularly, follow a low-fat, high-fibre diet and talk to your doctor about the best way to manage your diabetes.

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CONGRATULATIONS!

DIABETES

You do not have diabetes.

If you have been tested for diabetes and the test has come back negative, you can feel good about avoiding one of the major risk factors for heart disease and stroke. You can avoid your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in the future by exercising and eating a low-fat diet rich in fruits and vegetables. One in three people who have diabetes don't even know it, so be sure to get tested.

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CAUTION

DIABETES

You do not know if you have diabetes.

One in three people who have diabetes don't even know it. Women with diabetes are three to seven times more likely to get heart disease than women who don't-in fact, almost 4 out of 5 of people with diabetes will die of a heart attack or stroke.

Tip

If you haven't been tested for diabetes, talk to your doctor, especially if you are aged 40 or older.

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CHOLESTEROL LEVELS

Do you have high cholesterol?




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ATTENTION

CHOLESTEROL LEVELS

You have high cholesterol.

High cholesterol is one of the biggest risk factors for heart disease and stroke, and the risks for women with high triglyceride levels (which are associated with high cholesterol levels) are higher than for men.

Tip

You can lower your triglyceride and cholesterol levels with a healthy eating plan. Visit the Healthy Eating section of the Heart and Stroke Foundation website for tips on maintaining a heart-healthy diet.

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CONGRATULATIONS!

CHOLESTEROL LEVELS

You do not have high cholesterol.

If your cholesterol levels are healthy, you are avoiding one of the biggest risk factors for heart disease and stroke. But remember that you can have high cholesterol without even knowing it, so get tested to confirm your cholesterol levels are within a healthy range.

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CAUTION

CHOLESTEROL LEVELS

You don't know if you have high cholesterol.

You may have high cholesterol without even knowing it, since there are no visible symptoms. As a woman, it's important for you to know your cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Tip

If you haven't had your cholesterol levels checked, talk to your doctor. You can lower your triglyceride and cholesterol levels with a healthy eating plan. Visit the Healthy Eating section of the Heart and Stroke Foundation website for tips on maintaining a heart-healthy diet.

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BLOOD PRESSURE LEVELS

Do you have high blood pressure?




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ATTENTION

BLOOD PRESSURE LEVELS

You have high blood pressure.

High blood pressure is the most significant risk factor for heart attacks and stroke. Talk to your doctor about the best ways to manage your blood pressure, and have it checked frequently.

Tip

You can lower your blood pressure by exercising and eating a heart-healthy diet.

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CONGRATULATIONS!

BLOOD PRESSURE LEVELS

You do not have high blood pressure.

That's great! If you have had your blood pressure tested and you know it is normal, you are avoiding the most significant risk factor for heart disease. But remember, high blood pressure can have no symptoms. If you haven't been tested by a health professional, you can't know for sure.

Tip

Even if you have no health issues, make sure you have your blood pressure tested annually, especially after age 40.

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CAUTION

BLOOD PRESSURE LEVELS

You don't know if you have high blood pressure.

If you don't know whether you have high blood pressure, you need to talk to your doctor. High blood pressure is the most significant risk factor for heart disease.

Tip

Make sure your doctor checks your blood pressure at least once every six months. High blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke and increases the risk of heart disease up to four times.

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HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY

Are you taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?



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ATTENTION

HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY

You are taking hormone replacement therapy.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is no longer considered to help prevent heart disease and stroke, and The Heart and Stroke Foundation does not recommend taking HRT as a way to reduce your risk.

Tip

If you are taking HRT as part of treatment for another health issue, be aware that it provides no additional protection against heart disease and stroke. Quitting smoking, becoming more active and eating a heart-healthy diet are still the best ways to reduce your risk.

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CAUTION

HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY

You are not taking hormone replacement therapy.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), once thought to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke in post-menopausal women, is no longer considered to help prevent heart disease and stroke, and The Heart and Stroke Foundation does not recommend taking HRT as a way to reduce your risk.

Tip

If you are considering taking HRT as part of treatment for another health issue, talk to your doctor about how it might affect your heart health.

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PREGNANCY

Are you, or have you ever been pregnant?



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PREGNANCY

You are, or have been pregnant.

Pregnancy can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. Complications such as pre-eclampsia (pregnancy-related high blood pressure), gestational diabetes (pregnancy-related diabetes) can lead to increased risk both during the pregnancy and over the long term. Although the risk of stroke is low among women of child-bearing years, pregnancy and childbirth can increase the risk as much as 13 times. You can find more information pregnancy as a risk factor here.

Tip

If you are pregnant, or planning to be, you may want to be assessed for heart disease by your doctor. If you experienced placental complications pre-eclampsia or gestational diabetes during your pregnancy, talk to your doctor about your increased risk.

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CAUTION

PREGNANCY

You have never been pregnant.

Although women of childbearing years are generally at a low risk for heart disease or stroke, her risk can be elevated during the pregnancy and childbirth, and her long-term risk can be increased if she experienced complications during the pregnancy. If you plan on becoming pregnant in the future, talk to your doctor about your risk profile for heart disease and stroke.

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ORAL CONTRACEPTION

Do you use oral contraception (birth control pills)?



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ORAL CONTRACEPTION

You use oral contraception.

Although modern oral contraceptives are safer than they were a few decades ago, research has already proven that, in a small proportion of women, they increase the risk of high blood pressure and blood clots. Women over 35 who smoke and use oral contraception are at even greater risk of heart disease as well as blood clots and stroke.

Tip

Talk to your doctor about your overall risk profile for heart disease and stroke. If you have other risk factors, and especially if you smoke, you may want to switch to another method of birth control.

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CAUTION

ORAL CONTRACEPTION

You do not use oral contraception.

Oral contraceptives can increase the risk of high blood pressure and blood clots in a small proportion of women, and women over 35 who smoke and use oral contraception are also at a high risk of heart disease. If you are considering taking oral contraceptives, talk to your doctor.

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