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Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. While many factors contribute to the development of heart disease, there are some steps you can take to improve your heart health. One of the most important things you can do is keep track of your heart health indicators. In this article, we will discuss the most important indicators for heart health and how you can monitor them.

BMI:

BMI stands for body mass index, and it is a measure of your body fat based on height and weight. A healthy BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9. Being overweight or obese significantly increases your risk of developing heart disease. You can calculate your BMI using a calculator or an app on your smartphone. It’s important to monitor your weight regularly and keep it within a healthy range to reduce your risk of heart disease.

Blood glucose level:

Blood glucose level refers to the amount of sugar (glucose) in your blood. High blood glucose levels can damage your heart and blood vessels. People with diabetes are at an increased risk of heart disease. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels can help you prevent complications and manage your diabetes. You can check your blood glucose levels at home with a glucose meter or get a blood test done by a healthcare provider.

Waist measurement:

Waist measurement is an important indicator of heart health as excess fat around the waist increases your risk of heart disease. A healthy waist measurement is less than 40 inches for men and less than 35 inches for women. You can measure your waist at home with a measuring tape around your abdomen, just above your hips.

Triglycerides:

Triglycerides are a type of fat found in your blood that can increase your risk of heart disease. A healthy triglyceride level is less than 150 mg/dL. High triglyceride levels can be managed by making lifestyle changes such as improving your diet and exercising regularly. You can get a blood test done by a healthcare provider to check your triglyceride levels.

HDL cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol:

Cholesterol is a type of fat found in your blood that can increase your risk of heart disease. HDL cholesterol is considered the good cholesterol as it helps remove excess cholesterol from your blood vessels. Non-HDL cholesterol includes LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and VLDL cholesterol (very bad cholesterol). A healthy HDL cholesterol level is above 40 mg/dL for men and above 50 mg/dL for women. A healthy non-HDL cholesterol level is less than 130 mg/dL. You can get a blood test done by a healthcare provider to check your cholesterol levels.

Conclusion:

Taking control of your heart health starts with monitoring these indicators and making lifestyle changes when necessary. Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider can help you track your progress and make sure you’re on the right track. Remember, small changes can lead to big improvements in your heart health and overall well-being. Contact us today to schedule a visit with Sam Houston Heart.