Know Your Numbers!

The numbers below tell an important story about your heart health. Learn what they mean and ask your primary care provider how you can keep them in healthy ranges.

Good and Bad Cholesterol

Unhealthy cholesterol levels lead to heart disease.

• Total cholesterol: Less than 200 mg/dL
• LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol: Less than 100 mg/dL
• HDL, or “good.” cholesterol: Above 40 mg/dL for men and 50 mg/dL for women
• Triglycerides, a type of fat in the blood: Less than 150 mg/dL

Under Pressure

High blood pressure is a warning sign of heart disease and stroke.

• Normal blood pressure: Less than 120/80 mm Hg
• Elevated blood pressure: 120-129/80 (or lower) mm Hg
• High blood pressure: 130 (or higher)/80 (or higher) mm Hg

Sugar, Sugar

Elevated blood sugar can signify Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes.

• Fasting glucose, your blood sugar levels after an overnight fast: Less than 100 mg/dL
• A1c, a three-month average of your blood sugar levels: Less than 5.7%

Waist Not

Your body mass index (BMI) is an estimate of total body fat based on your height and weight.

• Below 18.5 = Underweight
• 18.5-24.9 = Normal
• 25.0-29.9 = Overweight
• 30.0 and above = Obese

Your waist circumference should be:

• 35 inches or less for women
• 40 inches or less for men

Work It Out

Get your heart rate pumping with moderate exercise.

• 30 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week can help lower your blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol levels and BMI

Have concerning heart symptoms? Call 229.264.4253 to schedule an appointment at Cardiovascular Consultants of South Georgia. You can learn your numbers at an annual check-up with your primary care provider. Find a provider at archbold.org/providers.