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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

Heredity Risk Factor Quiz: What You Can and Cannot Control

Quick, free quiz on controllable risk factors and heredity. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Huda AbdulazizUpdated Aug 27, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper cut art of health symbols heart pulse dna for lifestyle risk factor quiz on golden yellow background.

This heredity risk factor quiz helps you sort what you can control from what is shaped by family history. Learn how genes and habits interact, spot common myths, and get instant feedback. For deeper practice, try our pedigree analysis quiz, explore a phenotype and genotype quiz, or check your knowledge with a cardiovascular disease quiz.

Which of the following is a controllable risk factor for heart disease?
Family history
Age
Smoking
Gender
Controllable risk factors are those an individual can modify, such as tobacco use. Smoking damages blood vessels and contributes to atherosclerosis. Quitting smoking is one of the most effective ways to reduce cardiovascular risk. .
Which of the following is considered an uncontrollable risk factor for chronic disease?
High cholesterol
Physical inactivity
Family history
Unhealthy diet
Uncontrollable risk factors are inherited or intrinsic characteristics. Family history cannot be changed, but it can inform personalized prevention strategies. Knowing your family history helps guide monitoring and lifestyle adjustments. .
What is the recommended minimum amount of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week for adults?
150 minutes
30 minutes
300 minutes
60 minutes
Health guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity weekly to reduce chronic disease risk. This amount improves cardiovascular health and aids in weight management. Short sessions can be accumulated throughout the week. .
Which body mass index (BMI) range is classified as normal weight?
18.5 - 24.9
17.0 - 18.4
30.0 - 34.9
25.0 - 29.9
BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered normal weight and associated with lower risk of chronic diseases. Values above this range indicate overweight or obesity, increasing health risks. Maintaining a normal BMI involves balanced diet and regular activity. .
Which dietary change is a controllable strategy to reduce high blood pressure?
Skipping fruit servings
Increasing sugar intake
Drinking more sugary sodas
Reducing sodium intake
Excess sodium raises blood pressure by increasing fluid retention. Reducing salt in the diet is a key modifiable factor for hypertension control. The DASH diet emphasizes low sodium and high potassium foods. .
Which habit is most directly linked to increased risk of type 2 diabetes?
Obesity
Frequent hand washing
Regular cold showers
Brushing teeth twice daily
Obesity is the strongest modifiable risk factor for type 2 diabetes, as excess adipose tissue impairs insulin sensitivity. Weight loss through diet and exercise significantly reduces diabetes risk. Maintaining a healthy weight is a primary prevention strategy. .
Which lipid measure is known as "good" cholesterol?
Total cholesterol
LDL
HDL
Triglycerides
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) carries cholesterol from tissues back to the liver for excretion, protecting against plaque buildup. Higher HDL levels are associated with lower cardiovascular risk. Lifestyle changes like exercise improve HDL. .
What daily behavioral change can improve sleep quality?
Exercising vigorously at midnight
Drinking coffee late at night
Limiting screen time before bed
Taking long afternoon naps
Blue light from screens can suppress melatonin and disrupt sleep. Limiting screen exposure at least an hour before bedtime supports natural sleep rhythms. Consistent sleep hygiene improves overall health. .
Which mineral is most associated with blood pressure regulation and should be consumed in moderation?
Magnesium
Calcium
Sodium
Potassium
High sodium intake leads to fluid retention and increased arterial pressure. Moderating salt consumption helps manage hypertension. The recommended limit is under 2,300 mg per day for most adults. .
Which behavior is a modifiable risk factor for osteoporosis?
Age over 65
Family history of fractures
Female gender
Lack of weight-bearing exercise
Weight-bearing exercises stimulate bone remodeling and strengthen skeletal structure. Physical inactivity contributes to bone density loss. Engaging in regular resistance training reduces osteoporosis risk. .
Chronic stress primarily impacts which bodily system to increase cardiovascular risk?
Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis
Gastrointestinal tract
Renal system
Musculoskeletal system
The HPA axis mediates the stress response by releasing cortisol and adrenaline. Chronic activation leads to hypertension, inflammation, and atherosclerosis. Stress management helps interrupt this harmful cycle. .
Which type of dietary fat should be limited to improve heart health?
Omega-3 fatty acids
Monounsaturated fats
Polyunsaturated fats
Trans fats
Trans fats increase LDL cholesterol and decrease HDL, promoting plaque formation. Many countries have banned industrial trans fats due to cardiovascular harm. Healthy fats like omega-3s support heart function. .
Regular physical activity improves insulin sensitivity primarily by:
Enhancing glucose uptake by muscle cells
Reducing pancreatic beta-cell function
Increasing glucagon production
Raising fasting blood sugar
Exercise stimulates translocation of GLUT4 receptors to muscle cell membranes. This process increases glucose uptake into muscles, lowering blood sugar. Improved insulin sensitivity reduces diabetes risk. .
Excessive consumption of added sugars is most strongly linked to which condition?
Multiple sclerosis
Osteoarthritis
Glaucoma
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
High fructose intake promotes fat accumulation in the liver, leading to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Reducing added sugars can reverse early-stage disease. Public health guidelines recommend limiting sugar-sweetened beverages. .
Which biomarker is commonly used to assess systemic inflammation related to cardiovascular risk?
Alkaline phosphatase
Creatinine
Hemoglobin A1c
C-reactive protein (CRP)
High-sensitivity CRP testing detects low-grade inflammation linked to atherosclerosis. Elevated CRP predicts future cardiovascular events. Lifestyle changes like diet and exercise can lower CRP levels. .
Which of the following behaviors most directly reduces LDL cholesterol levels?
Increasing simple sugar intake
Consuming more trans fats
Avoiding all dietary fats
Replacing saturated fats with polyunsaturated fats
Polyunsaturated fats reduce LDL through improved lipid metabolism. They are found in fish, nuts, and seeds. Dietary guidelines encourage this swap to lower cardiovascular risk. .
The Framingham Risk Score estimates an individual's risk of developing cardiovascular disease over:
5 years
20 years
10 years
1 year
The Framingham Risk Score uses age, lipids, blood pressure, smoking, and diabetes status. It predicts 10-year risk of coronary events. This tool informs treatment decisions in primary prevention. .
Which term describes the combined influence of genetic predisposition and environmental factors on disease risk?
Epistasis
Mendelian inheritance
Genetic drift
Gene - environment interaction
Gene - environment interactions occur when environmental exposures modify genetic risks. This concept explains why not all individuals with a gene variant develop disease. Understanding this interplay guides personalized prevention. .
Which statistical measure indicates how much a risk factor increases disease likelihood compared to no exposure?
Odds
Incidence rate
Relative risk
Prevalence
Relative risk compares incidence of disease in exposed versus unexposed groups. A value above 1 indicates increased risk. It is commonly reported in cohort studies. .
Chronic exposure to which environmental toxin is most strongly associated with lung cancer risk?
Mercury
Benzene
Asbestos
Lead
Asbestos fibers cause inflammation and DNA damage in lung tissue. Inhalation over years dramatically increases lung and mesothelioma risk. Occupational safety limits exposure to mitigate harm. .
The gut microbiome influences obesity risk primarily by:
Regulating thyroid hormones
Producing insulin
Modulating energy harvest from the diet
Altering muscle fiber type
Certain gut bacteria extract more calories from the same food, promoting weight gain. Dysbiosis may lead to low-grade inflammation and metabolic changes. Probiotics and diet can shift microbiome composition. .
Which epigenetic mechanism is most commonly studied in relation to environmental exposures?
DNA replication
Histone synthesis
Telomere shortening
DNA methylation
DNA methylation adds methyl groups to cytosine residues, altering gene expression without changing sequence. Environmental toxins, diet, and stress can modify methylation patterns. Aberrant methylation is linked to cancer and chronic diseases. .
Which social determinant of health most directly affects access to nutritious food?
Genetic ancestry
Blood type
Chronotype
Neighborhood environment
Neighborhood environment determines proximity to supermarkets versus convenience stores. Food deserts lack fresh produce, increasing diet-related disease risk. Policy and urban planning can improve access. .
Mendelian randomization studies are used to:
Measure prevalence of rare diseases
Infer causality using genetic variants as proxies
Assess family history accuracy
Sequence entire genomes
Mendelian randomization uses inheritable genetic variants associated with exposures to test causal effects on outcomes. It minimizes confounding inherent in observational studies. This method strengthens evidence for preventive targets. .
Polygenic risk scores for complex diseases aggregate information from:
Only environmental exposures
Many genetic variants across the genome
Single high-impact mutations
Epigenetic marks only
Polygenic risk scores sum the effects of numerous common variants, each with small effect sizes. They estimate an individual's inherited risk for diseases like diabetes or heart disease. Clinical utility is evolving with large genomic datasets. .
Which mechanism best illustrates how circadian rhythm disruption can influence metabolic disease risk?
Altering gene expression of metabolic enzymes
Changing bone density
Shifting blood type
Modifying red blood cell count
Disrupted circadian rhythms affect transcription of key metabolic genes in liver and adipose tissue. Misalignment between sleep-wake cycles and feeding times impairs glucose metabolism. Research links shift work to increased diabetes and obesity rates. .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Health Components -

    Recognize the physical, emotional, and social components of health and how they interconnect to support overall well-being.

  2. Differentiate Risk Factors -

    Distinguish controllable vs uncontrollable risk factors by identifying examples like diet and exercise versus heredity, answering the question "is heredity considered a controllable risk factor."

  3. Analyze Lifestyle Influences -

    Assess personal lifestyle choices using the lifestyle factors quiz framework to gauge their impact on physical and mental health outcomes.

  4. Apply Heredity Risk Insights -

    Use results from the heredity risk factor test to understand genetic influences and prioritize areas for proactive health management.

  5. Formulate Personal Health Plan -

    Develop a tailored action plan based on risk factor quiz results, setting realistic goals for long-term lifestyle improvements.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Differentiating Controllable vs Uncontrollable Risk Factors -

    Controllable risk factors are lifestyle choices you can modify - like diet, exercise, and smoking - whereas uncontrollable risk factors, such as heredity, are genetic traits you inherit at birth (CDC, 2021). So, "is heredity considered a controllable risk factor?" No - it's firmly in the uncontrollable category, directing you to focus energy on factors you can change. A simple mnemonic: U CAN'T Change your genes, but YOU CAN Change your habits.

  2. Physical Health Components & the FITT Principle -

    Physical health rests on five pillars: cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and body composition (American College of Sports Medicine). The FITT formula - Frequency, Intensity, Time, and Type - helps structure workouts for progress and safety. Remember: F.I.T.T. your routine to your goals for balanced gains.

  3. Emotional Health & Stress Management Strategies -

    Emotional health involves recognizing, understanding, and managing feelings to build resilience and well-being (APA, 2020). Techniques like mindfulness meditation, journaling, or the 4-7-8 breathing exercise can lower cortisol and boost mood. Think of "RAIN": Recognize, Accept, Investigate, and Nurture feelings to stay emotionally agile.

  4. Social Health & Building Support Networks -

    Social health emphasizes meaningful connections with family, friends, and community to foster belonging and reduce loneliness (WHO, 2019). Regular check-ins, joining clubs or volunteer groups, and active listening all strengthen social ties. Use the "3Cs" rule - Connect, Communicate, Commit - to cultivate trust and supportive relationships.

  5. Lifestyle Influences & SMART Behavior Goals -

    Lifestyle factors - like nutrition, sleep, and substance use - play a major role in overall health and are fully controllable through daily choices (Harvard T.H. Chan School, 2022). Setting SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) helps turn intentions into lasting habits. For example: "I will walk 30 minutes, 5 days a week, for the next month" ticks all SMART boxes.

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