KNOWING YOUR NUMBERS FOR HEART HEALTH
KEEP ASKING QUESTIONS. Make sure you ask questions about anything about your medical care that you don’t understand. Write down questions as you think of them, so you can remember to ask your doctor during your office visit.
KNOW YOUR NUMBERS
BLOOD PRESSURE Multiple studies now show that nearly every patient with hypertension (high blood pressure) can have their blood pressure controlled to the recommended goal of less than 130/80 (optimal blood pressure is less than 120/80, should be at least consistently less than 130/80), yet less than 1 in 3 are at that goal. http://eepurl.com/iAQtWk CHOLESTEROL- KNOW YOUR CHOLESTEROL NUMBERS Cholesterol (lipids) is a fat substance that circulates in the body to help with many cell functions. It's when you have too much cholesterol that problems start. There are three main components of cholesterol:
HDL-the good cholesterol that takes blockages out of your arteries HDL is protective against heart attack and stroke if it is above 60-65. You want your HDL as high as possible!
LDL-the bad cholesterol that puts blockages into your arteries
Your LDL should be 100 or less and less than 70 if you have diabetes, heart attack or stroke already. An LDL of 190 or higher means that you are already at high risk of having a heart attack or stroke! Triglycerides-fat in the blood A triglyceride level of 150 or above needs treatment with at least improving diet and exercise and levels above 500 warrant treatment with prescription medication!
BY DR. BONITA COE
SERVICE MAGAZINE
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