When it comes to heart health, Americans don’t know their numbers
- Cholesterol confusion: Only one-fourth of Americans know that HDL is the “good” cholesterol. A mere 12 percent of Americans 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 percent) of Americans know that fat in the stomach region (an “apple-shaped body”) is most dangerous for heart health. In addition, only 36 percent knew their waist circumference was an important factor in determining heart disease risk.
- Turning to Supplements: The survey also revealed many Americans are looking to supplements to enhance their heart health. Nearly seven-in-10 (67 percent) Americans 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 percent), fish oil (31 percent) B vitamins (26 percent), omega 3s (23 percent) and magnesium (13 percent).
- Diabetes Disconnect: Many Americans don’t understand the strong connection between diabetes and heart disease. Most respondents (73 percent) didn’t realize the leading cause of death for people with diabetes is heart disease. The most popular response (35 percent) was kidney disease/failure.
Published February 9, 2017
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