Heart attack risk test (and tips)

The following questionnaire will help you discover in five minutes what your level of risk is for suffer from heart disease. It will also help you to recognize which factors represent a danger. Depending on the results, you can introduce positive changes in your diet and lifestyle.

Heart attack risk test

You just have to add the points indicated in parentheses next to the answer you choose. At the end of the test you will find the assessment and some help that can help you if you need to reduce your risk.

1. Do you have a close relative who has suffered a heart attack?

Yes, before the age of 55 (+3)Yes, before the age of 70 (+2)No (+0)

2. Do you smoke?

No (+0)Yes, less than 20 cigarettes a day (+3)Yes, more than 20 cigarettes a day (+4)Yes, I smoke and take the pill (+5)

3. What is your weight and body mass index (BMI)? It is calculated by dividing the weight in kilograms by the square of the height in meters.

I am of normal weight (BMI between 19 and 24) (+0)I am overweight (BMI between 25 and 30) (+0.5)I am obese (BMI over 30) (+1)

4. Do you eat legumes, whole grains, fruits and vegetables several times a week?

Yes, practically every day (–2) Yes, frequently (–1) Rather not (+0)

5. Do you eat red meat and sausages or chips, sweets and pastries several times a week?

Yes, practically every day (+2) Yes, frequently (+1) Rather not (+0)

6. How often do you do vigorous physical activity for at least 30 minutes at a time?

Between once and twice a week (–1) At least once a month (+0) Less than once a month (+1)

7. Do you know your blood cholesterol values?

No (+1)Yes, they are normal (below 200 mg/dl) (+0)Yes, they are slightly elevated (below 280 mg/dl) (+1.5)Yes, the upper value is above of 160 (+3)

8. Do you know your blood pressure values?

No (+1)Yes, always below 140/90 (+0)Yes, they are often above 140/90 (+2)Yes, the top value is above 160 (+3)

9. Do you suffer from stress?

No, only occasionally (+0) Yes, quite often (+1) Yes, the truth is that almost constantly (+2)

10. Do you occasionally feel pain in the chest area?

No (+0)Yes, during some bodily overload (+2)Yes, mainly when I am stressed (+3)Yes, both at rest and after a great physical or emotional overload (+5)

Assessment

Up to 2 points. If you continue like this, it does not seem very likely that you will end up suffering a heart attack. Keep living this heart healthy way.From 3 to 4 points. Your risk value is in the population mean. You should detect risk factors and reduce them to a minimum. Go regularly for a medical check-up.From 5 to 8 points. You have a relatively high risk of having a heart attack at some point in your life. Make changes to your diet and lifestyle as soon as possible to reduce your risk and discuss it with your GP.9 points or more. Your heart attack risk is high. Talk to your family doctor as soon as possible and request a visit with the cardiologist. Strictly monitor your weight, diet and physical condition.

Helps to protect the heart

As an alternative or complement to conventional treatments, some medicinal plants help reduce heart risk. Although these plants are quite safe, in case of suffering symptoms or any pathology you should always consult your doctor.

Hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata and C. monogyna). It is recommended in cases of heart failure, especially when accompanied by negative emotions. Its flavonoids and procyanidins dilate blood vessels and increase the contraction capacity of the myocardium.Garlic (Allium sativum). Thanks to its content of sulfurous compounds, such as alliin, it prevents arteriosclerosis and helps lower cholesterol, although there are conflicting studies. It is recommended to take one or two cloves of garlic a day.Linden (Tilia platyphyllos). It is a very useful sedative to reduce palpitations due to nerves and stress and to treat blood pressure. The inflorescences are used, which are taken as an infusion or as a liquid extract.Motherwort (Leonorus cardiaca). It is indicated to combat tachycardia and to regulate the pulse, as well as as a natural tranquilizer in case of mild anxiety and insomnia. It is taken as an infusion, tincture and liquid extract, sometimes combined with passion flower and orange blossom.Balm (melissa officinalis). It is a mild sedative, which calms nervous palpitations and favors a normal pulse. It is a good help to combat irritability and stress. It is taken in simple or combined infusion, in liquid extract and in tincture.