How to Take an Online Heart Checkup

Studies show that one in three Americans has some kind of heart disease. Research has proven a number of risk factors like family history, demographics and lifestyle. Though you're probably aware of certain "rules" like minimizing fat in your diet and getting daily exercise, you may not be aware of how much you're at risk. An online heart checkup can help you determine if you should talk to your doctor about further testing.

Instructions

• 1

  Organize your family medical history before you do the online heart checkup. You may be aware that your mother has to take medicine for hypertension, but ask about your great-grandparents as well.

• 2

  Measure your waist at the midpoint between your chest and hips. You also need to know your exact height and weight.

• 3

  Get your blood pressure checked before doing the online checkup. You can either borrow a family member's blood pressure machine or visit a pharmacy, supermarket or fire station. Be sure to write down the numbers rather than relying on your memory.

• 4

  Have your cholesterol numbers handy. The heart assessment may ask for your total cholesterol, HDL or "good" cholesterol count and your LDL or "bad" cholesterol number.

• 5

  Write down your eating and exercise habits for 3 to 7 days before you sit down to take the assessment. Be honest about how much fatty food you eat. Note how many days you exercised and how long you worked out.

• 6

  Pick a quiet room where you won't be disturbed for 10 or 15 minutes. Have everything discussed in the above steps in front of you. Take your time when completing the online heart checkup.

• 7

  Print the results of the assessment and take it to your doctor the next time you have an appointment.