Know Your Numbers: The Importance of Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, and BMI

Your heart health is more than just how you feel—it’s about the numbers that tell the story of your well-being. Blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and body mass index (BMI) are three essential health markers that help assess your risk for heart disease, stroke, and other serious conditions. Understanding these numbers and taking proactive steps to manage them can help you maintain a healthy heart for years to come.

Blood Pressure: The Silent Indicator

Blood pressure measures the force of blood against your artery walls. High blood pressure (hypertension) doesn’t always have noticeable symptoms but can lead to heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. A normal blood pressure reading is less than 120/80 mmHg.

Why It Matters:

• High blood pressure increases your risk for heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage.
• It can be managed with lifestyle changes like reducing sodium intake, increasing physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight.
• Regular monitoring helps catch issues early and prevent complications.

📌 Related Reading: Recognizing the Signs of Heart Disease

Cholesterol: The Good, The Bad, and The Risk Factors

Cholesterol is a fatty substance in your blood that is vital in building cells. However, too much bad cholesterol (LDL) and not enough good cholesterol (HDL) can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, increasing your risk of heart attack and stroke.

Key Numbers:

• Total cholesterol: Less than 200 mg/dL
• LDL (“bad” cholesterol): Less than 100 mg/dL
• HDL (“good” cholesterol): 40 mg/dL or higher for men, 50 mg/dL or higher for women

How to Maintain Healthy Levels:

• Eat a heart-healthy diet rich in fiber, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
• Exercise regularly to boost HDL and lower LDL levels.
• Get cholesterol screenings regularly to track your numbers.

📌 Related Reading: 7 Tips to Keep Your Heart Healthy

BMI: A Measure of Your Heart Health Risk

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple calculation using height and weight to estimate body fat. While BMI isn’t a perfect measure of health, it can help identify potential risks related to obesity and heart disease.

BMI Ranges:

• Underweight: Below 18.5
• Normal weight: 18.5–24.9
• Overweight: 25–29.9
• Obese: 30 and above

How to Maintain a Healthy BMI:

• Focus on balanced meals with proper portion control.
• Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
• Work with a healthcare provider to set weight management goals.

📌 Related Reading: Early Signs of Heart Failure

The Importance of Regular Checkups

Keeping an eye on these three key numbers is essential for heart disease prevention. At Crisp Regional Hospital, our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive screenings and personalized care to help you stay on top of your heart health.