Understanding heart health doesn’t have to be complicated. Four key numbers provide crucial insights into cardiovascular function and heart disease risk. Dr. Li Zhou, a cardiologist at Norton Heart & Vascular Institute, emphasizes the importance of monitoring these metrics.
Firstly, blood pressure is fundamental to understanding cardiovascular health. The ideal target number is less than 120/80 mmHg. High blood pressure can quietly damage your heart and arteries without obvious symptoms.
Cholesterol levels also play a critical role in arterial wellness. Aim for total cholesterol under 200 mg/dL and LDL (bad cholesterol) under 160 mg/dL.
Monitoring blood glucose levels is another essential piece of the puzzle. The recommended target is fasting blood glucose under 126 mg/dL, as high levels can indicate increased risk for diabetes and heart disease.
Lastly, body mass index (BMI) matters in determining healthy weight for your age and body size. The recommended range is 18.5-24.9 kg/m2. Using a simple online BMI calculator or tracking it manually can help.
Dr. Zhou advises maintaining heart health by checking these numbers, tracking them, discussing with your doctor, and taking action to prevent serious cardiovascular complications.
Source: https://nortonhealthcare.com/news/heart-numbers