Download HEART IQ?

DO YOU
KNOW YOUR
HEART IQ?
Across the country health care providers put forth their best effort to educate the public on heart
disease detection, prevention, and treatment.
Unfortunately, not everyone has gotten the message. A consumer survey conducted in the last several years found that
50 percent of people cannot identify the location of the heart on a diagram of the human body. And only 46 percent could
correctly identify which drawing represented a heart.
So, this begs the question—are
you heart smart? Take our quiz and determine what your Heart IQ is:
1.
You can’t be having a heart attack if you don’t have chest pain. True or False
6.
2.
The human heart has how many chambers?
One, Two, Four, or None
7.
3.
Having cholesterol in your body is bad for your heart health. True or False
If you have a family history of heart disease, there is nothing you can do about your heart health.
True or False
8.
How soon after you start having chest pain should you seek care?
a. Immediately
b. If it doesn’t go away in a day or two
c. Within 24 hours
9.
Having circulation problems in other parts of the body are related to circulation of the heart. True or False
Smoking marijuana can have a negative effect on the heart. True or False
If
your
diabetes
doesn’t
require
insulin
injections,
you
4.
don’t have to worry about heart disease. True or False
5.
Smoking how many cigarettes a day can affect the function of the heart?
a. One pack
b. Two or more packs
c. Any cigarettes
10.Everyone has changes in their heart rate or rhythm sometimes, but it’s only a problem if you are really old or in bad health. True or False
Answers on back.
Answers
1) False. The most common sign of a heart attack is chest pain, but a significant number of people do not experience
crushing chest pain. Chest heaviness, pain radiating into the left arm, shoulder, and jaw are a frequent symptoms, as well
as dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath. When in doubt, check it out.
2) c. Four. The heart has four chambers, a left and right atrium are the two top chambers. The heart is essentially a big
muscle and the left ventricle is the main pumping chamber of the heart.
3) False. Cholesterol is an essential primary building block of the body and has a major role in cellular function. It is an
elevated LEVEL of certain types of cholesterol, such as low density cholesterol, or LDL, that lead to the formation of artery
clogging plaque.
4) False. Diabetes is a major risk factor for the development of heart disease whether you are on insulin or oral
medication. Diabetics are urged to have regular assessments of their heart and vascular function, and to keep their blood
sugar levels in tight control.
5) C. Any cigarettes. Cigarette smoking has a direct effect on the blood vessels (arteries) of the heart and throughout the
body. Smoking immediately narrows and constricts the arteries and the effect lasts for a significant period of time. The
effect is also cumulative and made worse by factors like age, lung problems, diabetes, and other illnesses.
6) True. Scientific research into smoking marijuana has demonstrated that it can have as damaging an effect on the
arteries of the heart as cigarette smoke. People with risk factors for heart disease who smoke marijuana should have
regular cardiovascular check-ups.
7) False. Family history is just one risk factor in preventing and treating heart disease. Obesity, diet, regular exercise,
smoking, and controlling diabetes are all risk factors than have a significant impact on heart health. If you have a family
history you should consult a physician to start on a plan to address your other risk factors and significantly improve your
chances of maintaining your heart health.
8) a. Immediately. In there is a “golden hour,” the time between the onset of chest pain symptoms and the treatment to
open the blocked artery. Every minute the heart muscle is deprived of oxygen causes more damage to the heart, so the
faster you can seek emergency care at a center equipped to open the artery, the better.
9) True. The heart is the main “hub” of your circulation. You can’t have circulation problems in the legs, or other areas
without having heart circulation problems. If a physician identifies a circulation problem, you should seek a cardiac
examination as well.
10) False. Frequent or significant changes in the rate and rhythm of your heart, especially those that are accompanied
by other symptoms like severe dizziness or shortness of breath, should be checked by a physician. Some rate and rhythm
problems are congenital (inherited), or can be a signal of additional heart and vascular problems, and require a thorough
examination.
If you got 7 or more correct, you are heart smart!
4-6 correct, you could use some additional education. But you have a basic knowledge of the heart. Reading up on the
heart on a reputable website such as the American Heart Association or Heart.org will should improve your heart IQ.
0-3 correct, you are potentially putting you or your loved ones at risk with your lack of knowledge. Consider a community
education program or contact your local health care provider for additional heart education.
To schedule an appointment with a University of Iowa Heart and Vascular Center physician, please call:
319-356-7102.