The Tribune

A Cleveland Clinic study shows that while 68 per cent of Americans are worried about dying from heart disease, many don’t know the basic numbers important for heart health.

The survey found most people know the numbers that are key to their financial well-being, but they are not as savvy when it comes to their health. For example, nearly half (46 per cent) of those surveyed knew their bank account balance, while just 18 per cent could state their body mass index (BMI) and only 38 per cent knew their blood pressure.

Heart disease is the No 1 cause of death in the world. While some risk factors for heart disease are not modifiable, others such as blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI, waist circumference, glucose and weight are alterable. While many people did know the risk factors, less knew the healthy range for them. Only four in ten Americans knew a healthy blood pressure reading was less than 120/80. Also, while half (52 per cent) are aware BMI is an important factor, only a quarter (23 per cent) know that a person is considered overweight with a BMI of 25 or more.

“Studies have suggested the majority of coronary artery disease events can be prevented by addressing treatable risk factors,” said Dr Steve Nissen, chairman of Cardiovascular Medicine at Cleveland Clinic. “That means, a little knowledge regarding your ‘numbers’ could go a long way to helping keep your heart healthy and avoiding future problems.”

The survey was conducted as part of Cleveland Clinic’s “Love your Heart” consumer education campaign in celebration of Heart Month. Cleveland Clinic has been ranked the No 1 hospital in the country for cardiology and cardiac surgery for 22 years in a row by US News & World Report.

Additional survey findings include:

• Cholesterol confusion: Only one-fourth of people know that HDL is the “good” cholesterol. A mere 12 per cent of know they should start getting screened for cholesterol between ages 18-24. Also, most Americans think triglycerides are cholesterol, when in fact, they are a type of fat in the blood. Only half of Americans (52 percent) know that LDL cholesterol is an important number to know to understand their risk of heart disease.

• Apple or pear? Only one-third (34 per cent) know that fat in the stomach region (an “apple-shaped body”) is most dangerous for heart health. In addition, only 36 per cent knew their waist circumference was an important factor in determining heart disease risk.

• Turning to supplements: The survey also revealed many people are looking to supplements to enhance their heart health. Nearly seven-in-10 (67 per cent) surveyed say they have taken one or more types of supplements regularly to enhance their heart health, although there is little evidence that supplements improve heart health. The most commonly taken supplements are multivitamins (46 per cent), fish oil (31 per cent) B vitamins (26 per cent), omega 3s (23 per cent) and magnesium (13 per cent).

• Diabetes disconnect: Many people don’t understand the strong connection between diabetes and heart disease. Most respondents (73 per cent) didn’t realise the leading cause of death for people with diabetes is heart disease. The most popular response (35 per cent) was kidney disease/failure.