Heart Attack Risk Factors: Know Your Numbers!
» Request a referral to a John C. Lincoln cardiac specialist.
Numbers offer a window into our health. Through readings of our blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose—along with our weight and waistlines—doctors can determine just how healthy we are.
When "our numbers" are up, so is our risk for heart attack. That's why it's so important to have routine health screenings, maintain a sensible diet and get plenty of exercise.
"Target Numbers" for Lowering Heart Attack Risk
From blood pressure to weight, each category in a health screening has a target number, or acceptable range*. Here are some general guidelines:
|
Measurement |
Acceptable Range* |
|
|
|
|
Blood Pressure |
120 / 80 |
|
|
|
|
Cholesterol |
|
|
Total Cholesterol |
Less than 200 |
|
LDL ("Bad" lipids) |
Less than 160 |
|
HDL ("Good" lipids) |
Women: More than 50
Men: More than 45 |
|
Triglycerides |
Less than 150 |
|
|
|
|
Glucose |
|
|
Fasting |
Less than 100 |
|
|
|
|
Waist measurement |
|
|
Women |
Less than 35 inches |
|
Men |
Less than 40 inches |
|
|
|
|
Body Mass Index |
Less than 25 |
* Depending on your health history, your acceptable range may be different from those listed here. Be sure to consult your physician. This site and its health-related information and resources are not intended to be a substitute for medical advice for the care that patients receive from their health care providers.
Take Action
If your numbers are higher than what is considered healthy for your age, gender and size, make lifestyle changes and seek treatment. Lifestyle changes can include quitting smoking; eating a vegetable-rich, low-saturated fat diet; and 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily.