6 Numbers to Know By Heart
A healthy life starts with a healthy heart, and the key to a healthy heart is to lower your risk for heart disease by tracking these six key numbers.
1. Blood Pressure
Key Number: 120/80 or Below
Blood pressure (BP), also called hypertension, is the force of your blood against the walls of your arteries. If your blood pressure is more than 120/80 but less than 140/90 most of the time, you have prehypertension. If your blood pressure is usually 140/90 or higher, you have hypertension or high blood pressure.
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease because it puts a strain on your heart. It can also be a sign that you are at risk for other serious medical conditions such as stroke, kidney disease and peripheral artery disease.
2. Cholesterol Level
Key Number: Less than 200
Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance found in the blood and the body’s cells. Too much cholesterol can lead to heart disease. A simple blood test can measure your cholesterol levels.
Desirable Cholesterol Levels
Total Cholesterol: Less than 200 mg/dl
LDL (“Bad”) Cholesterol: Less than 100 mg/dl
HDL (“Good”) Cholesterol: 60 mg/dl or greater
3. Triglycerides
Key Number: 150 or below
Triglycerides are another type of fat found in the blood. Levels of triglycerides above 150 milligrams can increase your risk for developing heart disease, diabetes and other serious medical conditions. If you eat more calories than you burn on a regular basis, especially high-carbohydrate foods, you may develop high triglycerides.
4. Waist Circumference
Key Number for Women: 35 inches or less
Key Number for Men: 40 inches or less
People who carry too much weight around their abdomen have a higher risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes and premature death.
5. Body Mass Index (BMI)
Key Number: 24.9 or Less
Your Body Mass Index (BMI) compares your body fat to your weight and height. High levels of body fat, indicated by a BMI of 25 and above, increase your risk of heart disease.
Less than 18.5 = Underweight
18.5 to 24.9 = Normal Weight
25 to 29.9 = Overweight
30 or greater = Obese
6. Blood Sugar Level
Key Number: Less than 100 (after fasting)
When being tested for your blood sugar level, also called your blood glucose level, you’ll be asked not to eat for several hours before the test. A high blood sugar level may indicate you have diabetes, which can damage your heart and blood vessels.
Less than 100 mg/dl = Normal
From 100 to 125 mg/dl = Prediabetes
More than 125 mg/dl = Diabetes
Sources: livewell.com, CDC, American Heart Association