I’ve been thinking a lot about my heart health and the health of my family in the past few weeks. One of my family members found out that they had to get some heart tests done as a result of a regular check up. Today was the day of the appointment with the cardiologist. When we got there and sat in the waiting room I was surprised to see people of every age waiting to be seen. From young children to the elderly the waiting room was like a cross section of society, every age group was represented. I must admit, I was surprised. I thought that heart health issues were confined to more specific groups, but today’s appointment taught me that anyone can be affected by heart health. I immediately began to take stock of my own heart and what I was doing to take care of it.
When I got home, I was excited to see that I’d been asked to take the Heart Age Calculator Test featured on the Shoppers Drug Mart website. What was my heart age? Was it older than I am? Was it younger? What did it mean?
I quickly ran through the test filling in all of the information and taking some measurements. It was quick, easy and told me what I wanted to know. While I felt great that my heart was a bit younger than my actual age, I knew that there were some numbers I needed to pay more careful attention to.
Like me, my husband’s results showed a heart slightly younger but as both of our results demonstrate we are in the “caution” area. We need to make some changes to ensure that we stay healthy for our boys. My husband and I started talking right away. What does this test mean? What was it telling us? What changes did we need to make right away? What research did we need to do? So many questions!
Why is Heart Health Important?
Like most things, having knowledge is power when it comes to heart health. Heart Disease remains one of the leading causes of death in Canada. Since your heart may be aging faster than the rest of your body it is important to know to ensure that you know the cardiovascular age of your heart. Understanding how your heart is aging will lead to better heart health management. The Canadian Cardiovascular Society recommends calculating your cardiovascular age and knowing your cardiovascular risk profile to improve management of blood pressure and blood lipids. The key factors that affect your heart’s age, include blood pressure levels, cholesterol, and the presence of risk factors like smoking and a high BMI (body-mass-index).
Tips for a Healthy Heart
- Stop Smoking
- Monitor your blood pressure
- Apply an active lifestyle
- Regulate your Cholesterol Levels
- Take Control
Why You Should Take the Heart Age Calculator Test
The Heart Age Calculator is an online tool that helps Canadians calculate their cardiovascular age and assess their risk of heart attack, stroke or cardiovascular disease within the next 10 years by answering simple lifestyle questions (i.e. height, age, weight, cholesterol levels, blood pressure, personal and family history, exercise habits and more). The Heart Age Calculator is the only scientifically validated online tool available that provides a personalized heart age and cardiovascular risk profile as recommended by the Canadian Cardiovascular Society guidelines.
Take the Test!
It’s time to take control of your health and take the test. It’s time for Canadians to start taking care of their hearts by taking the Heart Age Calculator test. I’ve done it, my husband’s taken it and now it’s your turn.
Disclosure – Although this post has been sponsored by Shoppers Drug Mart Inc., the opinions and language are all my own, and in no way do they reflect the views, opinions or positions of Shoppers Drug Mart Inc. or its affiliates or licensees. Shoppers Drug Mart Inc. makes no representation as to accuracy, completeness, suitability or validity of any information within this blog post and will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information or for any losses, injuries or damages arising from its display or use
Hearing more about heart health and finding out good information through this tool really makes one want to stay on track and take better care of their health :) I’m so glad there’s a tool like this to help! And it’s so quick and easy to take the test!
Brandi recently posted..Heart Health Month – Shoppers Drug Mart Heart Age Calculator #TreatYourHeart
I agree! It is so easy to use.
Kerrie @ Family Food and Travel recently posted..How Old is Your Heart Really? Take the Heart Age Test #TreatYourHeart
Yes I learned long ago that heart disease can hit at any age, and is something that is so important to take care of!
Shari G recently posted..February is Heart Month #TreatYourHeart
I think more of us need to open our eyes and hears to the cold hard truth, it can happen to all ages.
So glad to hear your under your age, I was too! Now let’s keep that up!
Tammy @inRdream recently posted..What is your Hearts age? #TreatYourHeart ‘The Heart Age Calculator’ featured at Shoppers Drug Mart
Yes! I feel I am more informed about my health too.
Kerrie @ Family Food and Travel recently posted..How Old is Your Heart Really? Take the Heart Age Test #TreatYourHeart
It’s crazy to see in person something we may take for granted, like the expectation to only see elderly at a cardiologist but you are so right, hear problems can affect any age. This test is a good reminder to make changes in our lives, thanks for pointing that out. I hope your family member is ok too.
Stacey recently posted..Love Your Heart #TreatYourHeart
Thank you Stacey – still waiting on the test results – which is hopefully a good sign everything is ok!
Kerrie @ Family Food and Travel recently posted..How Old is Your Heart Really? Take the Heart Age Test #TreatYourHeart
I like that the test was so quick to take! I need to get hubs to do this too.
It is so true, heart issues are not just happening in certain age groups or weights, it affects us all!
Crystal recently posted..Comment on What Would Your Heart Say About You? #TreatYourHeart by Crystal McLeod
This is such an easy test to take and the results are potentially eye opening!
Elizabeth L recently posted..Do you know your Heart Age? Take the Test! #TreatYourHeart
yes – it was a good reminder to me of what I need to be doing to be healthy.
Kerrie @ Family Food and Travel recently posted..How Old is Your Heart Really? Take the Heart Age Test #TreatYourHeart
It’s shocking to see how many people have problems with their hearts. So sad. It’s great to see tools like the Heart Age Calculator to help us assess where we’re at!
Ladena recently posted..Be Heart Smart this February with Shoppers Drug Mart! #TreatYourHeart
I’ll have to check it out though I’m a bit afraid to take the test. I know I could be doing better and I’m certainly trying.
Katy Rawson recently posted..Dabby Dill & The Hiccup Pickle Story App
I took it, and I am 36.8! I am glad it is not older then i am..
Now I want to take the test and find out how old my heart is. I hope it’s still young!
Nicole B recently posted..Dyson Cordless Vacuum Available at Best Buy! @Dyson @BestBuy #DysonatBestBuy
Heart health is so important for everyone. I have been sick since November and haven’t really been able to exercise I know that is not good for my heart. So Last weekend I decided to take back my health and do everything possible to finally kick this cold.
Felissa Elfenbein (@Felissahadas) recently posted..What is Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show?
Ack! Mine was 4 years over :/
Everything Mom and Baby recently posted..This Valentines spoil your loved one with a Way Spa giftcard!
wow I took the test out of curiousity, pretty scary, I am going to keep at my diet!
Mama to 5 BLessings recently posted..How to Make Homemade Crystals (Experiment W/ kids) Learn & Link WITH LINKY
Mine is 44 which is pretty good since I am 47.
Ellen Christian recently posted..Strawberry Rhubarb Sauce Recipe
Since I am not 30 yet it won’t allow me to take the test :-(!
Kelsey Apley recently posted..FREE Joint Medic Pain Therapy Cream Sample
I’m not doing too bad on my heart age, but I definitely could fit more exercise in. An ounce of prevention is worth more than…. ;)
I took this test and got great results! Thanks
Roxanne recently posted..Quilting Basics: Video Part 12
I am hearing a lot about heart health today. Maybe because its February and I think its national heart health month. They say women fall more at risk to heart disease than men. I found that very surprising. I’m gonna have to take this test. I know I can be more active than I am.
Heather recently posted..The Dentist and Giving Up “Paci”
I love this post! Many of these illnesses are preventable, and people need to learn more about prevention. I took the test and measured younger than my actual age, fortunately. I have a very healthy diet and exercise several days a week. Diet-related illnesses run in my husband’s family, so I’m more concerned about him, but he’s been following my example.
Elisebet F recently posted..Stats update! (Fitness Friday 2/7/14)
Hmmm…. I think I am fairly healthy but I am going to take the test to see what my heart age really is.
Awesome information and tips. I am going over right now to take the test.
Michelle F. recently posted..DIY Easy Valentine For a Baby
I am afraid to take it. Haven’t been eating well or exercising enough!! And my hubs is already on high blood pressure meds.
Jennifer Soltys recently posted..SEPHORA Makeup Academy Palette Sweepstakes
This is such a great tool! I’m kind of scared to take it but I’m on my way over!
cara recently posted..$100 Amazon Gift Card or PayPayl Cash Giveaway
Thank you for sharing this important information. Health should be at the top of everyone’s list.
Nicole recently posted..What I’m Wearing: Athleta
Great post. My age was right on, but I need to add more exercise to my daily routine. Heart health is such an important topic. Thanks for sharing.
Michele recently posted..KitchenAid Mixer #Giveaway US/Can ends 2/14
So great to hear!
i’m afraid to take mine (now) although in a year it will be MUCH improved. i’ve just begun a healthier living journey.
brett recently posted..Upcycled Dog Treat Container for a Canine Valentine #MilkBoneLove
I am a bit scared to take the test. I need to get better at eating healthier and working out.
Tammilee Tillison recently posted..Super easy to make Crock Pot Greek Chicken Recipe
Definitely a good idea to take stock of one’s lifestyle sooner than later and that calculator definitely helps!
Marina recently posted..Cutting cable was the best decision ever {#NetflixKids}
I took the test! Really informative in terms of where I need to make changes.
It’s crazy how we don’t think of things like this until something happens. I did quit smoking May 2013 so I took that step. Thanks for sharing this test it can tell me where to make other necessary changes.
http://alwaysblabbing.blogspot.com
Yes, so true – our experiences dictate our thoughts on lots of issues like this.
Love this post! It’s the perfect complement to my American Heart post for GO RED day! Raising Awareness is so important!
Nancy Lustri (StyleDecor) recently posted..Shopping Mall $avings!
Thank you so much Nancy – it would be perfect for Go Red day!
We have just had two family members pass in a very short time from one another from heart disease. I’m so happy to be seeing so many healthy heart promotion posts this month! It is a very important topic to read and take action on for ourselves (and to encourage of our family members too).
Rosey recently posted..Fox Theatre in Detroit
Mine could use some work i’m sure! Thanks so much for sharing! xo xo
cindy b recently posted..Your One-Stop Dress Destination and so Much More: JenJenHouse
That’s really interesting! I had no idea they had ‘tests” like this to give you an idea of your overall heart health.
Janel recently posted..Unique Party Games
Took the test. I think it’s pretty interesting that, as an obese person that is constantly told to loose weight, this tool said my heart age was 1.5 years YOUNGER than my actual age! Lol! My 10 year risk was only 2.2% and if I did “everything” recommended to reduce the risk (which was only one thing – increase my physical activity) it would only reduce my risk to 1.8%. Suffice it to say I’m pretty happy with the results and my lifestyle. That was a very interesting experience though. Thanks for sharing!
Kassondra from Motherhood Community recently posted..Win A Nook Glow Light E-Reader!
That’s great! I hope you are able to increase your activity and lower your risk :)
That Was A Great Test I Just Took It & It Gave Me A lot Of Information That I Can Use. Glad I’m Healthy Thank You!!
Lisa Jones recently posted..MAMA LISA’S PASTA BROCCOLI!
Heart attack and stroke run rampant in my family. I am going to do the heart test in the next hour, thanks for the info