Numbers play an important role in our lives in almost all spheres. And when it comes to heart health, numbers play a crucial role. You will be able to adjudge the health of your heart by studying these numbers. Heart health issues are on the rise globally. By knowing the right numbers for heart health, it is possible to lower the risks of heart diseases. If unaware of where to start from, it is recommended to visit your family physician and gather some information from him.

However, if you are hesitant in doing the same, here are some numbers which might seem useful for you for understanding your heart health.

LDL Cholesterol

People with heart diseases often have high levels of cholesterol in their blood. However, many of us do not know that there are two kinds of cholesterol in the body – good cholesterol and bad cholesterol. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is the “good” cholesterol, while low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is “bad” cholesterol. One must keep a check of the LDL levels as it is one of the major contributors to coronary heart diseases. Majority of arterial blockages and cholesterol buildup in the body take place due to LDL. Ideally, the levels of LDL should not be more than 100mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter). Anyone whose LDL levels are above 130mg/dL is at high risks of coronary diseases. The higher the levels of LDL in the blood, higher are the chances of a heart attack. A basic blood test needs to be done to ascertain the levels of LDL in the body. Right from the age of 20 years, this test should be done every five years. With increasing age, this period decreases. Depending on the figures of your LDL test, the doctor will prescribe medications for bringing cholesterol levels down. Otherwise, lifestyle and diet changes are recommended.

Blood Pressure

In today’s stressed and hectic life, maintaining healthy blood pressure levels is difficult. The healthy recommended blood pressure for an adult is 120/80mmHg (millimeters of mercury). The top number is the systolic pressure, and the bottom number is the diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure is when the heart contracts for pushing blood from the heart to other body parts. On the other hand, diastolic pressure is when the heart relaxes and refills itself with blood. When blood pressure levels are high, it means that the heart has to exert more pressure to pump blood. The heart muscles become thick while pumping forcibly. Artery walls are also damaged in the process. High blood pressure is one of the significant reasons for the development of CAD. Some people are recommended anti-hypertension medicines when pressure levels are 140/90 or more than that. Lifestyle and diet changes are also recommended.

Body Mass Index (BMI)

Body Mass Index is a measurement of the weight of a person while adjusting against his height. When the existence of excess fat in the body, the heart has to work harder for pumping blood, and that increases blood pressure considerably. Being obese also reduces the levels of good cholesterol (HDL) and increases the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL). Any person who has high BMI has higher risks of heart ailments, including hypertension, diabetes, heart attack, and stroke.

Fasting Glucose

Blood sugar levels are an important indicator of heart health. The fasting glucose levels in the blood help in determining the possibility if a person might have diabetes. There is a very strong association between diabetes and coronary artery diseases. Diabetic people are highly prone to cardiovascular ailments like a heart attack or stroke etc. Regulating the blood sugar levels within limits is very important for overall health and well-being of an individual. A quick blood test in the morning is enough for ascertaining fasting glucose levels. The result of the reading should be less than 100mg/dL. If the levels are above than 100mg/dL, it is important to bring it down. Sometimes medicines are required to deal with the issue. Many a time, changes in food habits and lifestyle also work well.

Triglyceride Levels

Just like cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels are also important for heart health. Triglycerides are also fats, which keep on circulating in the bloodstream. When the levels of triglycerides are high, the chances of heart diseases are quite high. Levels of triglycerides increase in the body on the consumption of simple carbohydrates like bread, sugars, baked products, and even alcohol. Triglyceride levels above 150 are not good for heart health. There are no particular medicines for lowering triglyceride levels in the blood. Reducing the consumption of carbohydrates in the diet is one of the best ways of tackling this problem.

Waist Circumference

Obesity and being overweight is a common problem with many people today. You might not know that this problem can be the onset of much greater issues like heart diseases and other cardiovascular ailments. Being overweight is simply highly dangerous. Age and sex also play an important role in this regard. It is said that women, after they turn 35 years old, should have a waist circumference of 32 inches or even less than that. However, for men, the figures are a little different. After the age of 40 years, they should have a waistline of 37 inches or less. The waist to hip ratio (WHR) is also an important thing to consider.

If you have any questions please feel free to leave it in the comment box below.