If you want to be heart healthy, you have to be heart-smart. Test your knowledge by answering true or false to the following statements. Then check the answers below to see how well you did.
1. Angiography is a procedure that can treat blocked or narrowed arteries.
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2. Corn oil is a good source of omega-6 fatty acids.
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3. Diastolic blood pressure refers to the bottom number, or second number, of a blood pressure reading.
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4. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends getting antioxidants from supplements.
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ANSWERS
1. FALSE: Angiography is an X-ray of the blood vessels. Dye is injected into the arteries to show how well blood is flowing and to highlight any blockages that may exist.
2. TRUE: An essential fatty acid, omega-6 is also found in soybean, safflower and sunflower oils and in tofu, nuts and seeds. Like omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 may help reduce your risk for heart disease.
3. TRUE:Diastolic blood pressure refers to the pressure of blood when the heart is resting between beats. The top number, systolic blood pressure, is the pressure when the heart is beating. A normal blood pressure reading is less than 120/80 mm Hg. But you can have one normal number and one that is considered high and still have high blood pressure.
4. FALSE: Research doesn’t support the idea that antioxidants like vitamins A, C and E in supplement form provide heart-health benefits. Taken in large quantities, some supplements can actually be harmful. Instead, the AHA recommends getting your antioxidants from fruits, vegetables, whole grains and vegetable oils.
