In China, the leading cause of death is not cancer but stroke (commonly known as cerebrovascular accidents). Data show that at least one-fifth of deaths in China are caused by stroke, especially among people with hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking, drinking, obesity, and lack of exercise. These people are at higher risk for stroke! A person is considered at high risk if they have had a stroke or meet 3 or more of the following 8 risk factors:

1. High blood pressure
2. Diabetes
3. Atrial fibrillation or heart valve disease
4. Dyslipidemia
5. Smoking or frequent drinking
6. Exercise less than 3 times a week
7. Obesity or severe overweight
8. Family history of stroke

Question 1: Can drinking a little red wine or medicinal wine help lower blood pressure?

A: Yes B: No

**Correct answer: B**

No matter what the circumstances, alcohol consumption should be completely avoided! Alcohol is a known carcinogen and a risk factor for cerebrovascular disease. Even small amounts of alcohol can increase blood pressure and the risk of stroke. The tiny “potentially beneficial” ingredients in red wine or medicinal wine become insignificant in the face of greater dangers.

Question 2: Can a vegetarian diet help lower blood lipids?

A: Yes B: No

**Correct answer: B**

You don’t need to be on a strict vegetarian diet to lower blood lipids! There are two sources of lipids in the human body: dietary sources and endogenous synthesis. Dietary lipids only account for 15% to 20%, and endogenous synthesis is the main source. Carbohydrates and amino acids can also be converted into fat. Not eating meat for a long time can lead to deficiencies of certain nutrients, especially protein and vitamin D, which may be detrimental to health.

Question 3: Are numbness in the hands and stiff neck possible signs of high blood pressure?

A: Yes B: No

**Correct answer: A**

Numbness in your hands and feet may be caused by elevated blood pressure. You may think that numbness and pain in your neck are caused by cervical spondylosis, but in fact they may also be signs of high blood pressure. High blood pressure can cause blood vessels to spasm or dilate, causing dizziness and neck stiffness. If these symptoms persist for a period of time, it is recommended to monitor blood pressure and seek medical attention if necessary.

Question 4: Can snoring cause heart disease?

A: Yes B: No

**Correct answer: A**

Snoring, also known as “obstructive sleep apnea syndrome,” can lead to heart disease. Repeated apneas during sleep lead to intermittent hypoxia, elevated carbon dioxide levels, and increased cardiac workload, leading to increased blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmias, and myocardial ischemia.

Question 5: Is toothache related to heart disease?

A: Yes B: No

**Correct answer: A**

Don’t dismiss toothache as a minor problem; it can indeed be a sign of heart disease. Toothache caused by coronary heart disease is called “cardiogenic toothache”. This type of pain usually occurs with exercise, mood swings, or cold stimulation, usually lasts for a few minutes, and subsides quickly with rest or the removal of the trigger. People with risk factors for coronary heart disease such as hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia should take toothache caused by exercise seriously and seek medical attention promptly.

Question 6: Only overweight people will have the “three highs” (hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia)? **

A: Yes B: No

**Correct answer: B**

Many thin people suffer from type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. Some people may appear thin but may still have metabolic abnormalities due to genetics or an unhealthy lifestyle. Don’t let yourself become complacent about being underweight.

Question 7: Should people with heart disease avoid exercise?

A: Yes B: No

**Correct answer: B**

People with heart disease should engage in physical activity unless their doctor specifically advises against it. Sitting or lying down for long periods of time is more harmful! Exercise is one of the measures to prevent heart disease. Lack of exercise can lead to coronary heart disease. However, inappropriate exercise may cause myocardial infarction, so people diagnosed with heart disease should undergo exercise risk assessment under professional guidance.

Question 8: Can regular intravenous infusion help to clear blood vessels?

A: Yes B: No

**Correct answer: B**

Do not give intravenous fluids unless necessary. There are currently no scientific studies proving that intravenous fluids can unclog blood vessels. Blind infusion may cause liver and kidney damage and even induce heart failure.