Too Many People Don’t Exercise or Get Cholesterol Checked

According to a new survey, while nearly two-thirds of adults (65 percent) report one or more risk factors for cardiovascular disease and 87 percent are at least somewhat concerned that they may develop heart disease, many do not take steps that may help them in the fight against this disease.

The survey of more than 2,000 adults, conducted by Harris Interactive for Cheerios, found that 65 percent of U.S. adults reported having a heart disease risk factor, including a family history of high cholesterol (24 percent), high blood pressure (25 percent), smoking (20 percent), or being overweight/obese (35 percent). Despite this, more than one-third of adults (37 percent) have not had their cholesterol checked within the past year and more than half of adults (52 percent) do not exercise regularly (at least three times per week).

As for the reasons why some adults did not have their cholesterol checked, 31 percent cited lack of concern about their cholesterol levels, while one in five adults (21 percent) cited lack of health insurance as a barrier to getting screened. Those with limited access to adequate healthcare may not get regular cholesterol screenings and thus are at an even greater risk of heart disease.