Know Your Numbers: 5 Keys to Maintaining a Healthy Heart 

Nearly half of adults in the United States have some type of cardiovascular or heart disease, according to the American Heart Association. Although some of the conditions that fall under this umbrella can’t be cured, early diagnosis and treatment can help slow their progression and lower the risk of complications, such as heart attack and stroke. 

Because many forms of heart disease don’t present obvious symptoms, knowing which health indicators to monitor is essential. Since February is American Heart Month, we’re using this blog to highlight five key numbers that can assist in this process.

At Beverly Hills Medical Institute, our family medicine physician, Shaghayegh “Sherri” Tavassoli, DO, specializes in diagnosing and treating cardiovascular conditions. Read on to learn about five numbers that can offer insights into your heart health, so you can take steps to keep heart disease at bay.

Heart health No. 1: Blood pressure

A blood pressure reading features two numbers and looks like this: 120/80 mm/Hg. The top number refers to your systolic blood pressure, which measures the force of the blood pumping through your arteries when your heart beats. The bottom number, or diastolic blood pressure, measures your blood pressure between heartbeats.

A normal blood pressure reading is below 120/80. Readings that consistently reach 130/80 or higher indicate high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. 

Blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day, but if your numbers remain elevated for extended periods, it can weaken your arteries and increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke. 

Heart health No. 2: Cholesterol levels

Cholesterol is a waxy, fatlike substance produced by the liver that supports digestion and hormone production. It’s necessary for your overall health, but if levels remain too high, it can cause plaque to build up on the walls of your arteries. 

Over time, this buildup can slow blood flow and increase the risk of heart disease.

High cholesterol rarely presents symptoms, similar to high blood pressure. As a result, annual blood work is necessary to detect it early. 

There are two types of cholesterol: HDL or “good” cholesterol and LDL or “bad” cholesterol. Generally speaking, a total cholesterol level of 200 mg/dL or higher in adults indicates high cholesterol.

Heart health No. 3: Blood sugar

Blood sugar, or glucose, provides energy for your cells. But if your body doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use it effectively,  glucose can build up in your bloodstream, damaging blood vessels and nerves and leading to chronic inflammation that increases the risk of heart disease. 

Without treatment, high blood sugar can lead to diabetes. While there are several types of diabetes, they all increase the risk of heart disease. 

Whether you were born with Type 1 diabetes or developed Type 2 diabetes later in life, regularly monitoring your blood sugar can help protect your heart and lower the risk of complications.

Heart health No. 4: Waist circumference

Waist circumference, a measurement of the distance around your abdomen at the level of your belly button, is another way to assess your risk of heart disease. 

Women with a waist size greater than 35 inches and men with a waist size greater than 40 inches are more likely to develop heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.

That’s because the larger your waist circumference is, the more visceral fat there is in your abdomen. Visceral fat surrounds internal organs and releases harmful chemicals that can increase inflammation, which may contribute to cardiovascular disease. 

Heart health No. 5: Resting heart rate

Resting heart rate (RHR) is a measurement of how fast your heart beats while at rest. This number naturally fluctuates, but for most adults, a healthy range is typically between 55 and 85 beats per minute. 

A lower RHR generally indicates a stronger and more efficient heart. But a resting heart rate consistently above 80, especially in middle age, may indicate an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. 

We can help keep your heart healthy

Familiarizing yourself with the numbers above can help you monitor your heart health. But if you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or another related issue, knowledge is just the first step. 

Healthy lifestyle changes, regular checkups, and in some cases, medication are necessary to prevent heart disease.

We can help you live a heart-healthy lifestyle. Contact us today to get started. Call our office in Beverly Hills, California, serving the greater Los Angeles area, or book your appointment online. Telehealth appointments are also available.