To stay healthy, know your numbers like you know your dress size.
Knowing your numbers is an important part of keeping your heart healthy. Knowing your numbers can help you and your doctor determine your risks and mark the progress you’re making toward a healthier heart. Here is a quick overview of the numbers you need to know and the goals you need to achieve to reduce your risk for heart disease. Once you review the optimal numbers for heart health, learn how you can achieve and maintain them.
* FACTOR
* GOAL
Total Cholestrol
Less than 200 mg/dL
LDL ("BAD") Cholestrol
LDL Cholestrol goals vary Less than 100 mg/dL Optimal 100 to 129 mg/dL Near Optimal 130 to 159 mg/dL Borderline High 160 to 189 mg/dL High 190 mg/dL and above Very High
HDL ("GOOD") Cholestrol
50 mg/dL or higher
Triglycerides
Less than 150 mg/dL
Blood Pressure
Less than 120/180 mmHg
Fasting Glucose
Less than 100 mg/dL
Body Mass Index (BMI)
Less than 25 Kg/m2
Waist Circumference
Less than 35 inches
Exercise
Minimum of 30 minutes most days, if not all days of th week
