Heart Health

Name:

Date:

Instructions: How much do you know about keeping your heart healthy?

1.
How many times does the average human heart beat per day?
A
About 50,000
B
About 500,000
C
About 200,000
D
About 100,000
2.
What is the leading cause of death worldwide?
A
Respiratory infections
B
Cardiovascular disease
C
Diabetes
D
Cancer
3.
What type of cholesterol is considered 'good' cholesterol?
A
LDL
B
VLDL
C
Triglycerides
D
HDL
4.
Which diet is widely recommended for heart health and is based on the eating patterns of Mediterranean countries?
A
Paleo diet
B
Mediterranean diet
C
Atkins diet
D
Keto diet
5.
What is normal resting blood pressure considered to be?
A
90/50 mmHg
B
140/90 mmHg
C
160/100 mmHg
D
120/80 mmHg
6.
What mineral, consumed in excess, can raise blood pressure?
A
Potassium
B
Magnesium
C
Sodium
D
Calcium
7.
What is a heart attack (myocardial infarction)?
A
A blood clot blocking blood flow to the heart muscle
B
High blood pressure
C
An irregular heartbeat
D
The heart stopping completely
8.
How many minutes of moderate exercise per week do health experts recommend for heart health?
A
75 minutes
B
300 minutes
C
30 minutes
D
150 minutes
9.
Which type of fat is considered the most harmful to heart health?
A
Trans fat
B
Omega-3 fat
C
Polyunsaturated fat
D
Monounsaturated fat
10.
What medical condition is sometimes called 'the silent killer' because it often has no symptoms?
A
Both B and C
B
High cholesterol
C
High blood pressure (hypertension)
D
Diabetes
11.
Which fish oil supplement is commonly taken for heart health?
A
Vitamin D
B
Omega-3 fatty acids
C
Iron supplements
D
Calcium
12.
What is the four-chambered structure of the human heart?
A
Four ventricles
B
Two aortas and two veins
C
Four atria
D
Two atria and two ventricles
13.
What fruit has been shown to help lower blood pressure due to its high potassium content?
A
Apple
B
Banana
C
Grape
D
Pear
14.
What is atrial fibrillation (AFib)?
A
A heart valve condition
B
A blood pressure medication
C
An irregular, often rapid heart rhythm
D
A type of heart surgery
15.
What is the main purpose of a stent placed during cardiac surgery?
A
To keep a blocked artery open
B
To regulate heart rhythm
C
To replace a heart valve
D
To measure blood pressure

Answer Key

Question 1

D. About 100,000

The average human heart beats approximately 100,000 times per day, pumping about 2,000 gallons of blood through 60,000 miles of blood vessels.

Question 2

B. Cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally, responsible for approximately 17.9 million deaths each year according to the World Health Organization.

Question 3

D. HDL

HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) is considered 'good' cholesterol because it helps remove other forms of cholesterol from the bloodstream, reducing the risk of heart disease.

Question 4

B. Mediterranean diet

The Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and olive oil, is one of the most studied and recommended diets for heart health.

Question 5

D. 120/80 mmHg

Normal resting blood pressure is generally around 120/80 mmHg. The top number (systolic) measures pressure when the heart beats, and the bottom (diastolic) measures pressure between beats.

Question 6

C. Sodium

Excess sodium (salt) intake causes the body to retain water, increasing blood volume and raising blood pressure. Most health guidelines recommend limiting sodium to less than 2,300 mg per day.

Question 7

A. A blood clot blocking blood flow to the heart muscle

A heart attack occurs when a blood clot blocks blood flow in a coronary artery, depriving part of the heart muscle of oxygen. Without treatment, the affected tissue dies.

Question 8

D. 150 minutes

The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week (about 30 minutes, 5 days a week) for cardiovascular health.

Question 9

A. Trans fat

Trans fats are the most harmful type of dietary fat for heart health. They raise LDL ('bad') cholesterol and lower HDL ('good') cholesterol, increasing heart disease risk.

Question 10

A. Both B and C

Both high blood pressure and high cholesterol are called 'silent killers' because they typically have no symptoms but can lead to heart attacks and strokes if untreated.

Question 11

B. Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acid supplements (fish oil) are commonly taken for heart health. They may help lower triglycerides, reduce inflammation, and decrease the risk of abnormal heart rhythms.

Question 12

D. Two atria and two ventricles

The human heart has four chambers: two upper chambers (atria) that receive blood and two lower chambers (ventricles) that pump blood out to the body and lungs.

Question 13

B. Banana

Bananas are rich in potassium (about 422 mg per banana), which helps counteract the effects of sodium and relaxes blood vessel walls, helping to lower blood pressure.

Question 14

C. An irregular, often rapid heart rhythm

Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of heart arrhythmia, causing the upper chambers (atria) to beat irregularly and rapidly. It increases the risk of stroke and heart failure.

Question 15

A. To keep a blocked artery open

A stent is a small mesh tube inserted into a blocked or narrowed coronary artery during angioplasty. It props the artery open to restore blood flow to the heart muscle.

Find more free puzzles and brain games at www.SeniorBrainGames.org