Love Your Numbers

This information has been reviewed and approved by Andrew Freeman, MD, Elizabeth Kern, MD, and Ann Mullen RN (January 15, 2019).

Love Your Numbers

These numbers, your health history, physical exam and other assessments all factor into your overall health evaluation. Know your numbers and take steps to make them healthier.

Blood Pressure

A blood pressure test measures the systolic pressure (top number) during heart beats and the diastolic pressure (bottom number) when the heart rests between beats.

• 120 or less/80 or less

Blood Sugar

The A1C test is a blood test tells the average blood sugar (glucose) levels over the last 3 months. It shows blood sugar control over time.

• Less than 5.6%

BMI

Body mass index (BMI) is calculated using a person's height and weight to estimate if you are at a healthy weight or not.

• 18.6 to 24 is healthy

Cholesterol

High cholesterol levels increase your risk of heart disease, but it’s just one part of calculating your cardiovascular risk.

• 200 mg/dL or less

Blood Fat

Excess alcohol, processed sugars and simple carbohydrates increase your blood fat (triglycerides) level.

• Less than 150 mg

Heart Disease Risk

ACSVD (10-Year Cardiovascular Atherosclerotic Risk) uses blood pressure, cholesterol and other factors to determine your risk of developing hardening of the arteries, which can lead to coronary artery disease, stroke, kidney problems and more.

• 5% or less

Improve Your Numbers

1. Eat more fruits and vegetables.
2. Limit animal products; eat plant proteins.
3. Avoid bad fats.
4. Stay hydrated.
5. Avoid alcoholic and sugary beverages.
6. Get aerobic exercise 30 minutes every day.
7. Lose weight.
8. Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke.
9. Reduce stress by practicing mindfulness.
10. Use HEPA filters and avoid chemical and smoke irritants.