4 important numbers to monitor your heart health

Did you know that four simple numbers can tell a lot about your health? Tracking your blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), cholesterol and blood sugar will help keep your heart healthier.

“Understanding your health numbers and working with your provider to catch problems at their earliest stages can delay, reverse and prevent some diseases,” explains Ehtaisham Mohammed, MD, Family Medicine, Ridgeview Clinics. “Preventing heart disease starts with lifestyle choices and habits, including diet, exercise, managing stress, getting quality sleep and, if you smoke, smoking cessation.”

4 indicators of heart health

1. Blood pressure

Blood pressure is the force of your blood against the walls of your arteries. If your blood pressure is too high, your heart must work harder. Over time, this can lead to heart failure and the narrowing your arteries — increasing your likelihood of heart attack and stroke.

Blood pressure is measured by two numbers:

Systolic blood pressure is the first number listed in a blood pressure reading. It measures pressure in your arteries when your heart beats.

Diastolic blood pressure is listed second. It is the pressure in your arteries between heart beats.

Target blood pressure: 120/80 mm Hg

A normal blood pressure reading varies slightly by age and sex. Elevated systolic pressure places individuals at greater risk of stroke and heart disease.

2. BMI

Body Mass Index (BMI) is an estimate of body fat. The higher your BMI, the greater your risk for hypertension, diabetes, heart conditions and sleep apnea. If your BMI is 24.9 or below, you are within a healthy weight range.

Target BMI range: 18.5-24.9

3. Blood cholesterol

Your liver naturally produces the right amount of cholesterol your body needs to function properly – helping to develop cell membranes, hormones and vitamin D. Another source of cholesterol is the food we eat. Problems occur when excess cholesterol circulates in your blood, creating deposits and potentially blockage in the arteries, which can result in a heart attack or stroke.

Target cholesterol range: Total blood cholesterol lower than 200 mg/dL

4. Blood sugar (glucose)

Glucose provides energy for our bodies to function, but excessive levels become problematic. While glucose levels are an indicator of diabetes, they also help predict heart health as people with diabetes have a higher risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

Target Glucose Ranges: Up to 100 mg/dL (100 to 125 mg/DL indicates prediabetes; above 125 mg/indicates diabetes)

Other important factors for better health

Moving your body regularly and getting quality sleep greatly improves your overall health. Exercise doesn't need to be high intensity workouts — going for a walk lowers your risk of cardiovascular disease and benefits your mental health as well. Aim for 30 minutes of activity, five days a week.

When it comes time to wind down, create a sleep-conducive environment and set a schedule to improve your quality of sleep. Adults typically need seven or more hours of quality sleep each night.

“Talk to your health care provider if you snore or wake up tired with a headache or dry mouth. You may be a candidate for a sleep study which can determine if you have sleep apnea,” Dr. Mohammed explained. “Obstructive sleep apnea is a serious medical condition that increases your risk for high blood pressure, heart attack, sudden cardiac death, stroke, obesity and type 2 diabetes. When appropriately diagnosed, it can be successfully treated.”

Monitor your numbers

Without testing, you may not be aware that your numbers are outside of a healthy range. It’s important to know and understand these numbers so you can reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease and other serious health conditions. To learn your numbers, visit your health care provider regularly. If you have a family history of high cholesterol, heart disease or stroke, your levels should be checked at a younger age and more frequently.

Get started by requesting an appointment with a Ridgeview provider at a clinic location convenient to you.