Heart Disease: Know Your Numbers... Love Your Heart!
Do you realize that you have complete authority over your health? Well, you do. You have the ability to make conscious decisions to live a healthy, happy, and fulfilling life. All you have to do is make a commitment to do so, become knowledgeable about what to do and act in a certain manner. You see, your power is held within the choices you make from the knowledge you have. Every day you make many choices, some to prevent, maintain, or improve your health and others to unconsciously destroy it; some by eating poorly and not exercising. Either way, being educated on what makes you thrive in your lifetime may be something wise to investigate to live a prosperous, healthy life; especially when it comes to preventing chronic diseases like heart disease.
This Heart Health month, won't you add some heart healthy positive habits to your lifestyle. Heal your heart by educating your mind with knowledge. Make it a point to know your numbers. Understand where you stand regarding the range(s) your numbers fall in. Are you in the optimal/normal range or are you at risk for heart disease or some other chronic condition? Knowledge is helpful in having you take action sooner rather than later.
Important Numbers to Understand!
· Blood Pressure: measure the force of blood against the walls of the blood vessels. Blood pressure that is too high increases the risk for heart disease, heart attacks, stroke and even death.
· Body Mass Index (BMI): measures body fat based on height and weight.
· Blood Glucose Levels (Sugar): measures the amount of glucose in the blood used to diagnose and monitor for prediabetes and diabetes.
· Cholesterol Numbers: measures the amount of cholesterol in the blood. This measurement is inclusive of the total cholesterol, bad cholesterol, good cholesterol, triglycerides. High levels of cholesterol can place one at risk of heart disease and other chronic diseases.
· Waist Circumference: measures the abdominal fat which is known as visceral fat because it surrounds the liver and other organs. An increased waist circumference may lead to a greater risk of heart disease, stroke, and/or diabetes.
· Waist-Hip-Ratio: assess waist measurement to hip measurements. When there is too much weight around your waist, which is also known as abdominal obesity, one is at an increased risk of some serious health issues even if the other numbers listed are at optimal or normal levels. Fat in the abdominal/waist areas or high ratio numbers can lead to a greater risk for heart disease and, or diabetes.
· Metabolic Syndrome: is a cluster of conditions that occur together, increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. These conditions include increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels.
Conclusion
As you can see knowing your #’s can be quite empowering. Understanding the numbers and where you stand is one of the ways you can arm yourself with the knowledge needed to maintain a healthy heart or lifestyle for that matter. So, in conclusion monitor your numbers regularly, to make sure that they are in an optimal/ normal range to prevent or manage your heart health or other conditions. Contact your doctor if your numbers are not where they should be.
Note: If you are unable to get your numbers under control on your own, or you notice them being out a whack for some period of time please seek the help of a licensed professional like a doctor or RD. Once you get clearance to do so, you may be able to work with other experienced professionals such as coaches, nutritionists, and specialists to help you on your healthy living journey. No matter where you are on your health journey today, never give up on living the best possible life you can live, with each new day things can turn around for the better when you get help and arm yourself with knowledge. Check out our article on Heart Health to become aware of the signs of an heart attack or stroke.
This Valentine's Day, show some love to your Heart, It Loves You!
Reference:
Classification of Overweight and Obesity by BMI, Waist Circumference, and Associated Disease Risks
Retrieved, Jan. 5th, 2020.
Losing Weight, Body Mass Iindex (nih.gov)
Metabolic Syndrome, Retrieved from the Mayo Clinic.