Published: February 20, 2025
Your heart is at the core of your well-being—literally and figuratively. But do you know how healthy it really is?
One of the most powerful steps you can take in protecting your heart is understanding five key health numbers:
- Total Cholesterol
- HDL (Good) Cholesterol
- Blood Pressure
- Blood Sugar
- Body Mass Index (BMI)
These numbers give you and your healthcare provider valuable insight into your heart health and overall wellness. Let’s break down what they mean and why they matter.
1. Total Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fatty substance in your blood that plays a role in building cells. However, too much cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Healthy Range: Below 200 mg/dL
- Borderline High: 200–239 mg/dL
- High Risk: 240 mg/dL and above
What You Can Do: Eat heart-healthy foods, exercise regularly, and follow your doctor’s recommendations for lifestyle changes or medication if needed.
2. HDL (Good) Cholesterol
High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) is considered "good" cholesterol because it helps remove excess cholesterol from your bloodstream. A higher HDL level lowers your risk of heart disease.
- Healthy Range: Above 60 mg/dL
- Borderline Low: 40–59 mg/dL
- Low (Increased Risk): Below 40 mg/dL
What You Can Do: Increase physical activity, eat more healthy fats (like nuts and avocados), and limit trans fats.
3. Blood Pressure
Blood pressure measures the force of blood pushing against your artery walls. If it’s too high, it puts extra strain on your heart, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Healthy Range: Below 120/80 mmHg
- Elevated: 120-129/<80 mmHg
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): 130/80 mmHg or higher
What You Can Do: Reduce sodium intake, manage stress, exercise regularly, and track your readings using our Blood Pressure Tracker.
4. Blood Sugar (Glucose Levels)
Blood sugar levels indicate how well your body processes glucose. If too high, it may signal diabetes or an increased risk for heart disease.
- Healthy (Fasting): 70–99 mg/dL
- Prediabetes: 100–125 mg/dL
- Diabetes: 126 mg/dL or higher
What You Can Do: Eat balanced meals, exercise regularly, and get routine screenings to catch issues early.
5. Body Mass Index (BMI)
BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. While it’s not a perfect indicator of health, it provides insight into potential weight-related risks for heart disease.
- Healthy BMI: 18.5–24.9
- Overweight: 25.0–29.9
- Obese: 30.0 and above
What You Can Do: Focus on a balanced diet, stay active, and talk to your doctor about your personal health goals.
Take Action: Schedule Your Wellness Exam Today!
Knowing your numbers is the first step to protecting your heart and long-term health. The best way to stay on top of your health? Make an appointment with your primary care provider (PCP) today!
During your wellness exam, be sure to ask about:
- Your latest cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar readings
- Your BMI and what it means for your health
- Steps you can take to improve or maintain your numbers
Your heart works hard for you—show it some love by taking control of your health today!
Schedule your appointment now and start tracking your numbers with our free Blood Pressure Tracker!
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