Ticker Test: Myths and Facts About Your Heart Health

Physical activity is key, but you don't have to carve out a solid hour daily to do it. Get at least 30 minutes of moderate activity (like gardening, walking, yoga, or a leisurely bike ride) at least 5 days a week. Or you can do at least 25 minutes of harder activity (like running, swimming, or basketball) 3 days a week.

You can break it up into 10 or 15 minutes here and there, if that works better for you.

During a heart attack, the heart is almost always still beating but the blood supply to it is blocked. As a result, it doesn’t get enough oxygen, which can injure the heart. When your heart suddenly stops beating, it's called "cardiac arrest."

It lowers your “bad” cholesterol and may help prevent heart disease. Fiber comes from plants: whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and beans. It’s usually best to get it from foods, which have many other great nutrients, instead of from supplements. 

Although the most common sign of a heart attack is chest pain or discomfort, it's not always one of the symptoms. You might have shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, or feel lightheaded. Sometimes women especially could have pain or discomfort in other parts of the body, like the back or jaw.

Many things affect your cholesterol level. Your genes matter. But you still have a lot of control, especially with your food choices. Limit items with too much cholesterol or saturated fats, and avoid trans fats completely. To do that, cut back on fatty meats, full-fat dairy products, and deep-fried and processed foods.

Too much salt is linked to high blood pressure, as well as heart disease and stroke. Remember, a lot of sodium comes from processed foods and restaurant fare. Read labels to see how much sodium is in a serving.

The American Heart Association recommends a daily low-dose aspirin for people who are at high risk of a heart attack or who have already had a heart attack or stroke. But first, ask your doctor about the pros and cons. Aspirin helps prevent blood clots, which can lead to heart attack, but it can also cause stomach ulcers and bleeding inside your body.

Fat-free was once a big food trend, but now the main thing is to favor fats that are better for your heart (like canola or olive oils) over those that clog your arteries. And foods that are labeled "fat-free" can still have lots of salt or sugar. Too much of those are bad for your heart. Make smart choices, go for a variety of foods, and keep fat in moderation.

Sitting on your couch may be the worst thing you can do for your heart. According to a CDC report, 40% of Americans are at risk for heart disease because they're inactive. Close behind, 34% are at risk due to obesity. The other most important risk factors are uncontrolled high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking.

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States, killing more women than all forms of cancer combined. One in three women die of heart disease, while one in 31 die of breast cancer.

Many recent studies have suggested that red wine may lower the risk of getting heart disease. If you drink, the American Heart Association suggests no more than two drinks a day for men and one for women. If you don't drink, don't start. The benefits don't outweigh the negative health risks of alcohol -- including high blood pressure, stroke, and obesity.

The American Heart Association recommends eating fish -- especially fatty fish like salmon and mackerel --  at least two times each week. Fish is a great source of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, plus it's not high in unhealthy saturated fat. If you don't like fish, talk to your doctor about taking omega 3 supplements.