Most people are good at having easy access to important phone numbers, but how about your heart numbers?
Cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference numbers help individuals monitor personal risk for heart disease, diabetes and other serious medical conditions. Knowing your numbers enables you to make changes in diet and lifestyle to lower your risk when necessary.
General recommendations include:
When it comes to cholesterol, LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is the main source of cholesterol buildup and blockage in the arteries, while HDL (high-density lipoprotein) prevents cholesterol buildup and is often called “good cholesterol.”
Other risk factors to consider when monitoring the numbers above include your age, smoking, sedentary lifestyle and a family history of heart disease or diabetes.