Keeping track of your health is crucial for a long and healthy life. From simple lifestyle changes to routine health checks, there are five crucial health numbers that doctors recommend keeping an eye on. Falling outside of a healthy range for these vital health measurements can have detrimental impacts on your health and may even lead to serious conditions. Here’s a list of health measurements doctors want you to check, along with their ideal ranges.
Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is considered to be a ‘silent killer’ with millions of sufferers reporting no symptoms. It can put extra strain on the blood vessels, heart, kidneys, brain, and eyes, significantly increasing the chances of a heart attack or stroke. Being overweight, eating too much salt, and not exercising enough have been cited as proven risk factors for high blood pressure. When a patient’s blood pressure is measured, results are given in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and often show two numbers (systolic and diastolic). Systolic, the top number, refers to the pressure of the heart pushing blood out and around the body. Diastolic, the bottom number, refers to the pressure when the heart is at rest between beats. The ideal blood pressure range is typically around 120/80 mmHg.
Cholesterol Levels
High cholesterol levels can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. There are two types of cholesterol to be aware of: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). LDL is often referred to as ‘bad’ cholesterol, as it can lead to a buildup of plaque in the arteries, while HDL is known as ‘good’ cholesterol and helps remove LDL from the arteries. The ideal total cholesterol level is typically below 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). For LDL cholesterol, the ideal range is usually below 100 mg/dL.
Blood Sugar Levels
Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is crucial for preventing diabetes and other health complications. High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, can lead to diabetes and other serious conditions. The ideal fasting blood sugar level is typically between 70 and 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).
Body Mass Index (BMI)
BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to adult men and women. It is used as a screening tool to identify possible weight problems. A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered normal, while a BMI of 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight, and a BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese.
Waist Circumference
Measuring your waist circumference can help assess your abdominal fat, which is a risk factor for certain health conditions, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes. For men, the ideal waist circumference is typically less than 40 inches, while for women, it is less than 35 inches.
Keeping these crucial health numbers in check can significantly impact your overall health and well-being. Regular monitoring and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help you stay in shape and prevent serious health conditions.
