Knowing your numbers can save your life
Doctor's advice /
Knowing these health numbers could literally save your life! Your blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure and body mass index numbers are key indicators of your risk for serious illness. Once you know these important numbers, you can make changes to improve your health and reduce your risk of developing heart disease, diabetes and other serious illnesses.
Blood sugar is also measured by the amount of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in your blood. You are considered Prediabetic if you’re HbA1c is less than 6% and Diabetic when it is less than 7%. An HbA1c test gives you a picture of your average blood sugar control for the past 2 to 3 months and provides you with a better idea of how well your diabetes treatment plan is working.
Because cholesterol is unable to dissolve in the blood, it has to be transported to and from the cells by carriers called lipoproteins. Low-density lipoprotein (or LDL) cholesterol, is known as "bad" cholesterol; high-density lipoprotein (or HDL) cholesterol, is known as "good"
Blood pressure is typically measured by a device that uses the height of a column of mercury (Hg) to reflect the circulating systolic and diastolic pressures. Systolic pressure (top number) is the peak pressure in the arteries, and diastolic pressure (bottom number) is the lowest pressure. Normal blood pressure rises steadily from about 90/60 at birth to about 120/80 in a healthy adult. Hypertension (high blood pressure) is the leading cause of stroke and a major cause of heart attack.
Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to adult men and women. A person's ideal body weight varies by gender, age, height, and frame. Your body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference provide good indicators of whether you are at a healthy weight. In general it is recommended that women maintain a waistline smaller than 35 inches
