cholesterol test

Heart health profiler

1. To personalise your profile enter your name here

2. About smoking and your heart

   Smoking increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and other major health problems. The nicotine and carbon monoxide in tobacco smoke reduce the amount of oxygen in your blood, damaging blood vessel walls and causing plaque to build up.¹ Quitting smoking is the single most important thing you can do to reduce your risk of heart disease.⁸ For information on quitting smoking call the Quitline 131 848 or go to http://www.quitcoach.org.au.

   Do you smoke?

   Yes No
   

3. About high cholesterol and your heart

   High blood cholesterol is a risk factor for coronary heart disease, stroke and major circulation problems. When you have high cholesterol, plaque builds up on blood vessel walls, causing your arteries to become clogged. For most people, a high level of saturated fat in the diet is the main factor in rising cholesterol levels.¹ Don't know your cholesterol levels? If you are unsure whether you have high cholesterol or are at risk of developing high cholesterol, see your doctor.

   Do you have high blood cholesterol?

   Yes No I don't know
   

4. Being physically active is good for your heart

   Being physically active reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke and circulation problems. People who do not participate in regular physical activity are almost twice as likely to die of coronary heart disease than those who are active.¹ The National Heart Foundation of Australia recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity activity on most, if not all, days of the week. It's easy to make small changes to your activity levels, by walking to the train station or shop instead of driving.

   How physically active are you?

   	Up to 30 minutes of moderate physical activity five days per week
   	Up to 30 minutes of moderate physical activity each week
   	Some physical activity every now and then
   	No physical activity at all

   

5. About high blood pressure and your heart

   High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, heart failure, circulation problems and kidney failure. High blood pressure makes your heart work harder than normal, causing it to enlarge and become weaker.

   Major causes of high blood pressure include poor diet (particularly a diet high in salt), overweight, excessive alcohol and insufficient physical activity. If you are unsure what your blood pressure is, see your doctor.

   Do you have high blood pressure?

   Yes No Don't know
   

6. Diabetes and your heart

   People with diabetes have an increased risk of developing heart disease, stroke and other conditions such as peripheral vascular disease. When there is too much glucose in the blood and the body is unable to process sufficient insulin to convert this glucose to energy, the build up of blood sugar affects various organs including the arteries, nerves and kidneys. Diabetes also magnifies the effects of high cholesterol, high blood pressure and obesity, thereby increasing the risk for developing heart disease.

   Do you have diabetes?

   Yes No
   

7. Your weight can put a strain on your heart

   People who are overweight have an increased risk of developing coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes and certain cancers.¹ In Australia, over 60% of people aged over 25 are overweight or obese.¹ If you are overweight or obese, losing weight is one of the best things you can do for your health.

   Are you overweight?

   Yes No Don't know

   
   

8. Your heart as you age

   As you age, your heart needs to work harder to pump oxygenated blood around your body. Your risk of developing cardiovascular disease increases as you age.

   What age are you?

   25-40 41-60 61-100
   

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