Know Your Nu

Want to know more about your heart health? Get to know your numbers for cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure and body mass index. If these numbers are too high, you are more likely to develop heart disease and other health problems. Getting your numbers checked regularly and knowing what they mean is a great first step toward better health.

Understanding Your Cholesterol Numbers

When your blood cholesterol is high, you can take steps to bring it down. Eating the right foods and getting enough exercise can help. Some people also need medication to control their cholesterol. Your healthcare provider can help you get started on a plan to control your cholesterol.

Cholesterol Level

Cholesterol is made up of different kinds of fat (or “lipids.”) Two important numbers to know are HDL and LDL. Cholesterol should be checked during a “fasting” blood test (no food for a certain amount of time before the test) Along with cholesterol, triglyceride (another type of fat) can also lead to blocked arteries. So, knowing your HDL, LDL and Triglyceride numbers gives you a more complete picture of your cholesterol level.

HDL is called the “good” cholesterol.

It moves the bad cholesterol out of the bloodstream and prevents blockage of your blood vessels. HDL levels are affected by how much you exercise and what you eat. For most people HDL should be 40 or higher if you are a man and 50 or higher if you are a woman.

LDL is called the “bad” cholesterol.

This is because it can stick to your artery walls and block blood flow. LDL levels are most affected by what you eat. For most people, LDL should be lower than 100.

Triglyceride is a type of fat the body uses to store energy.

Too much triglyceride can increase your risk for heart disease. Triglyceride levels should be under 150.

Blood Sugar

Blood Sugar or Blood Glucose levels change throughout the day and night. Your levels will vary depending on when, what and how much you have eaten, and whether or not you have exercised. Fasting glucose should be