The first measurement that you need to check is your blood pressure. When talking about blood pressure, the force of blood against the walls of the blood vessels is measured. There are two numbers involved - the systolic pressure and the diastolic pressure. The top number, which is the systolic pressure, is the pressure on the vessel walls when the heart is actually beating and is at its highest. The number at the bottom number is the diastolic pressure, which is the pressure at its lowest when the heart is between beats.
Blood pressure could go up or down due to stress or activity. But you need to remember that the normal value is less than 120/80. The doctor is typically concerned with the bottom number because it is the pressure while your heart is at rest.
Anything above 120 for the top number means your heart is working too hard, particularly if you're sitting or lying down. This number will go up if you’ve been active, but it should go back to normal relatively quick after you’ve stopped moving around.
If the bottom number, or the diastolic reading is higher than 80, this means your heart isn’t getting the rest it needs between beats.
See the blood pressure chart below for easy reference.
 |
| Image from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings |
A total cholesterol level that is below 200 is healthy. If total cholesterol is between 200 and 239, you’re at the borderline risk for heart disease. A total cholesterol level higher than 240 means that you are at high risk.
HDL is short for high-density lipoprotein and is known as the healthy cholesterol. This number must not be less than 40 mg/dl for men and 50 mg/dl for women. LDL is short for low-density lipoprotein and is known as unhealthy cholesterol. This numbers must be below 100 to remain heart healthy. Finally, the triglyceride, which is the kind of cholesterol that comes from unhealthy fats, must have a value of below 150.
Again, take note of these optimal values:
- Total cholesterol - less than 200 mg/dl
- HDL - higher than 40 mg/dl for men and 50 mg/dl for women
- LDL - 100 mg/dl or lower
- Triglycerides - 150 mg/dl or lower
It is also important to know your blood glucose level or blood sugar level because diabetes could bring about an increased risk for heart disease. Blood glucose is the measurement you need to know if you want to find out if you have diabetes. A lot of people have high blood sugar but do not notice any symptoms. If you have 70 mg/dl to 100 mg/dl of blood glucose levels, you are safe and healthy.
Testing your blood sugar levels should be done first thing in the morning after an overnight fast. If you make an appointment for testing, your doctor will try to schedule you as early as possible with the instructions not to eat or drink anything after midnight.
Taking the blood test is quick and easy and you'll know your cholesterol and blood sugar levels in about two weeks. But there are two more measurements that you should take note of.
Your waist size. Your waist size tells you your heart disease risk. Your waist size should not be more than 35 inches if you're a woman and it should not be more than 40 inches if you're a man. High waist size increases your risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, metabolic problems, high blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol.
A doctor said that if patients lose just 1 inch off their waist, all the other heart health numbers improve. So, as soon as you know your measurements, you should adjust your lifestyle accordingly if you want to make sure of your heart health.
Your BMI or Body Mass Index. BMI measures your body weight in relation to your height. Your total BMI should be below 25. If it is over 25, it means you're overweight. A reading of over 30 means you are obese. The normal range is between 18.5 to 24.9, which means you’re at a healthy weight range. If the number is below 18.5 it means you're underweight.
If you don’t know your BMI index, check this BMI calculator. You may also want to see a doctor or dietician if your results fall under the range of the overweight or obese measurements. Being overweight can lead to heart problems.
No comments:
Post a Comment