By Michael Denike, DO
Heart & Vascular Specialists of Northwest Ohio

When your heart isn’t functioning at its best, your whole body feels the effects, which is why taking care of your heart health is a vital part of maintaining your overall health. While you cannot control every risk factor, understanding four key health measurements can help you recognize potential concerns and make changes before problems such as heart disease, heart attacks, or strokes develop.

Imagine your circulatory system as a garden hose, with your heart acting as the faucet pushing water (blood) through the arteries. Blood pressure measures the force of blood against artery walls, similar to water pressure in the hose. It has two numbers: systolic (pressure when the heart contracts) and diastolic (pressure when the heart rests between beats). A normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg. High blood pressure often has no symptoms but can damage vessels and make the heart work harder. Regular checks are important, especially if you have a family history of heart disease.

Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in the blood. There are two types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Your body needs cholesterol to build cells, make hormones and produce vitamin D, but too much LDL cholesterol can build up as plaque in your arteries and raise the risk of heart disease. Your cholesterol test typically includes total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides. Generally, lower LDL levels are better, but your recommended goal depends on your overall cardiovascular risk, medical history and other health conditions.

Blood sugar, or glucose, measures the main type of sugar found in your bloodstream and serves as the body’s primary source of energy. Blood sugar levels are impacted by the food you eat, the liver’s production of blood sugar and the insulin produced by your pancreas. Consistently high blood sugar can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease. A normal fasting blood glucose level is generally less than 100 mg/dL. A1C, which measures your average blood sugar levels over two to three months, below 5.7% is considered normal.

Body mass index (BMI) compares your weight with your height and can be used as a general tool to assess health risk. For most adults, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 falls within the healthy-weight category. A higher BMI can indicate a higher risk for health conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. However, BMI is a screening tool and does not provide a complete picture of your health. Your provider may consider it along with factors such as waist circumference, medical history and other health measurements.

Regular visits with your healthcare provider are an opportunity to review these measurements and discuss your individual risk for cardiovascular disease. Maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, getting adequate sleep and maintaining a healthy weight can keep your numbers in a healthy range. Knowing your numbers today can help you make informed choices to protect your heart for years to come.