With all the romance in the air at Match.com, you can’t help thinking about matters of the heart. Take our quick quiz to determine if you know how to keep your heart healthy — for you and your honey. The answers might surprise you…

1. True or false. People who drink moderately have heart disease less often than non-drinkers?

2. Multiple choice. Blood pressure readings are a good indicator of your heart’s health. Which method provides the best overall assessment of your heart’s overall condition?

a) Measuring while at rest
b) Measuring while exercising

3. Multiple choice. What percentage of cardiac disease deaths is attributable to smoking?

a) 10%
b) 20%
c) 30%

4. Multiple choice. This form of exercise benefits the entire circulatory system and reduces your reaction to stress factors.

a) Swimming
b) Kayaking
c) Yoga

5. Multiple choice. Researchers recently discovered that engaging in this activity three to four times a week can reduce a man’s risk of major heart attack or stroke by 50% over the next ten years.

a) Having sex
b) Eating an extra serving of fruit
c) Exercising an additional 10 minutes

 

---

The answers

1. True. Women who have one drink a day and men who have two have lower risk of heart disease. According to the American Heart Association, one drink has no more than 1/2 an ounce of pure alcohol, such as 12 oz. of beer, 4 oz. of wine, 1-1/2 oz. of 80-proof spirits or 1 oz. of 100-proof spirits. However, drinking more than this can diminish the positive effects.

2. b. While exercising. A study at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine found that that exaggerated blood pressure during exercise is a more sensitive marker for resistance to blood flow through the arteries, which is a possible sign of hardening of the arteries. Your physician can measure exercising BP during a cardiac stress test.

3. b. 30%. Smoking dramatically increases your risk of heart attack (by as much as 2 to 6 times over non-smokers). It narrows the blood vessels which has a direct impact on lovemaking. Smoking impairs blood flow to the penis, causing an increased risk of erection impairment. In fact, men who smoke are more likely to suffer from impotence.

4. c. Yoga. Yoga’s been shown to improve circulation by stretching your major blood vessels. It also oxygenates your blood and increases the distribution of nutrients throughout your body. Yoga teaches you good breathing — the easiest way to reduce your reaction to stress. It’s a great way to work your body and quiet your mind. If you don’t already do yoga, check with your physician before starting a practice.

5. a. Having sex. According to research presented at the World Stroke Conference last year, getting it on is not only good, it’s good for you.