Cardiovascular Health Screening

Question 1

What is the purpose of exercise participation screening?

Answer 1

To identify the need for physician clearance before starting an exercise program.

Question 2

What are the ACSM’s recommendations for exercise?

Answer 2

- Moderate intensity aerobic activity - 150 minutes/week

• Muscle strengthening 2 days/week

- Vigorous intensity - 75 minutes/week

Question 3

What is the PAR-Q+ and what does a ‘Yes’ answer indicate?

Answer 3

It is a screening tool to assess readiness for exercise; a ‘Yes’ answer requires further medical questioning.

Question 4

What are the MET levels for different exercise intensities according to ACSM guidelines?

Answer 4

• Light: < 3.0 METs
• Moderate: 3.0-6.0 METs
• Vigorous: > 6.0 METs

Question 5

What are the main cardiovascular risk factors?

Answer 5

• age > 45 for men, or > 55 women
• family history
• smoking
• physical inactivity
• obesity (BMI > 30 or waist > 40”)
• hypertension
• dyslipidemia
• diabetes

Question 6

What is considered a positive family history of cardiovascular disease?

Answer 6

A heart attack or sudden death before 55 in a male first-degree relative or before 65 in a female first-degree relative.

Question 7

What is the threshold for hypertension (HTN) as a CVD risk factor?

Answer 7

Blood pressure >140/90 mmHg.

Question 8

What are the criteria for dyslipidemia as a CVD risk factor?

Answer 8

LDL >130 mg/dL or HDL <40 mg/dL, or total cholesterol >200 mg/dL.

Question 9

What constitutes obesity as a CVD risk factor?

Answer 9

BMI >30 kg/m² or waist circumference >40” in men and >35” in women.

Question 10

What defines diabetes as a cardiovascular risk factor?

Answer 10

Fasting glucose levels >100 mg/dL or HbA1c >5.7%.

Question 11

What are the modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease?

Answer 11

Smoking, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes.

Question 12

What are the ACSM’s exercise intensity guidelines for moderate activity?

Answer 12

Activities that require 3.0-6.0 METs, such as brisk walking and yard work.

Question 13

How often should adults engage in moderate-intensity physical activity according to ACSM?

Answer 13

At least 30 minutes per day, 5 days per week.

Question 14

What are the seven steps of AHA’s ‘Life’s Simple 7’ for reducing cardiovascular disease risk?

Answer 14

1. Avoid smoking
2. Engage in physical activity
3. Maintain ideal body weight
4. Eat a healthy diet
5. Manage blood pressure
6. Manage cholesterol
7. Manage blood glucose levels.

Question 15

What is the significance of having an HDL level ≥60 mg/dL?

Answer 15

It is considered a negative risk factor for cardiovascular disease, potentially reducing overall CVD risk.