Get A Healthier Heart

Feb 14, 2011

Celebrate American Heart Health Month!

Every year an estimated 785,000 Americans have a first heart attack*. And while it may seem that everything from diets to work related stress takes a toll on our hearts, there are simple preventative steps you can take today to have a healthier heart tomorrow.

Watch our Heart Disease series for more information on prevention tips and treatment options.

How Healthy Is Your Heart IQ?

Answer the questions below provided by our friends over at Lifescript to find out your heart health IQ.

1. Reducing high blood pressure won't reduce your risk of a heart attack.

(a) True

(b) False

2. If running marathons isn't your idea of regular exercise, you can work up a heart-healthy sweat by sitting in a sauna.

(a) True

(b) False

3. The most common excuse for not exercising is lack of time.

(a) True

(b) False

4. Monounsaturated fats are better for you than saturated or trans fat.

(a) True

(b) False

5. A complete physical fitness program should involve activities that promote endurance, strength and flexibility.

(a) True

(b) False

Correct Answers: 1. False 2. False 3.True 4. True 5.True

Quiz by the Lifescript.com

Valentine's Day Tip

Valentine's Day Tip Lucky for chocolate lovers, studies have shown that moderate consumption of dark chocolate may reduce the risk of heart disease. Dark chocolate naturally contains powerful flavonoids that seem to help the cells that line the blood vessels absorb nitric oxide, which in turn, relaxes and widens the blood vessels and improves platelet function. This in turn, can help reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. ±

A romantic and healthy gift for Valentine's Day can include dark chocolate-covered fruit. Opt for fruit and you'll avoid the extra sugar, fat, and calories typically found in most candy bars.

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Reviewed by Dr. Atkinson and Dr. Parikh

SOURCES:

* http://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm

± Brian Buijsse, Cornelia Weikert, Dagmar Drogan, Manuela Bergmann and Heiner Boeing. Chocolate Consumption in Relation to Blood Pressure and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in German Adults. European Heart Journal, July 2010, 31, 13, 1616-1623, 2010.