ACE Health Coach Certification Practice Test

Clients at risk for heart disease can be challenged by the health coach to eat fewer than 2.3 grams each day of _________.

1. Sodium

2. Total fat

3. Cholesterol

4. Added sugars

The correct answer is: Sodium

Eating fewer than 2.3 grams of sodium each day is a common guideline for clients at risk for heart disease. High sodium intake can lead to increased blood pressure, which is a significant risk factor for heart disease and stroke. This recommendation is supported by many health organizations, including the American Heart Association, which advises that reducing sodium intake can help improve heart health and lower the risk of cardiovascular events. In contrast, while total fat, cholesterol, and added sugars are also important to monitor for heart health, they do not have the same specific daily limit as sodium does. Total fat intake should be moderated, but there is not a universally accepted strict limit like there is for sodium. Cholesterol intake recommendations have become less rigid in recent years, focusing instead on the type of fats consumed rather than a specific daily limit. Added sugars are important to limit for overall health, but the focus is less on a specific gram amount in relation to heart disease risk when compared to sodium levels.