Four Health Numbers You Should Know

Men, no matter what your age, keeping track of certain health numbers is one of the most important things you can do to stay healthy. “Your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and body mass index numbers are key indicators of your risk for serious illness,” says Dr. Keith McManus of Catawba Valley Family Medicine – Maiden. “By knowing these numbers, you can make changes to improve your health and reduce your risk of developing heart disease, diabetes and other serious illnesses.”

Here are the 4 numbers you should know and why:
Blood Pressure
Your Healthy Goal: Less than 120/80 mm Hg
Why it matters: Blood pressure is the force at which your heart pumps blood through your arteries. If it’s too high, it puts extra strain on your arteries and on your heart. Over time, this strain can cause vessels to become clogged up or to weaken, which in turn can lead to narrow blood vessels and clots that can cause damage to the heart or brain.

Cholesterol
Your Healthy Goal: Less than 200 mg/dL total
Why it matters: Cholesterol is a fat-like substance found in your blood and in all your body’s cells. The American Heart Association (AHA) says you need a certain amount of cholesterol for good health. But too much cholesterol in your blood can lead to hardening and narrowing of the arteries, specifically caused by the slow buildup of plaque inside of the artery. As it grows, the buildup of plaque narrows the inside of the artery and, in time, may restrict blood flow to the heart.

Blood Sugar
Your Healthy Goal: Up to 100 mg/dL
Why it matters: The food we eat is broken down into glucose which then enters into the bloodstream where it’s used by cells for energy. For cells to use glucose, however, insulin must be present. If the insulin isn’t present, or if the cells don’t respond to it the glucose stays in the bloodstream, causing a rise in the blood sugar (blood glucose) level. Extra sugar in your bloodstream is a sign of diabetes, a disease that can harm every organ in your body, while also damaging nerves and blood vessels.

Body Mass Index (BMI)
Your Healthy Goal: 18.5 to 24.9
Why it matters: BMI is a formula, using your weight and height, that can help determining whether you’re overweight or obese. Being overweight puts you at a higher-than-average risk for a wide range of health problems,” said Dr. McManus. “Included in these health conditions are the nation’s leading causes of death—heart disease, stroke, diabetes and certain cancers.”

If your numbers are high or low, your provider can explain what they mean and suggest how you can get them to a healthier range. Be sure to ask them what tests you need and how often you need them. To make an appointment with Dr. McManus at Catawba Valley Family Practice – Maiden located at 137 Island Ford Road, call 828.428.2446.

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