Think of it as a health numbers game. By knowing a few key metrics, you can get a clear picture of your current heart health and stay motivated to keep your numbers in check or improve them.

Here are five important things to track:

Steps per day

Moving a lot boosts every other heart-health measure and lowers disease risk. Aim for 10,000 steps a day (almost five miles) or 150 minutes of exercise per week.

Blood pressure

High blood pressure, or hypertension, has no symptoms and can only be detected through measurement. An optimal score is 120/80, and 140/90 is normal for most people. Higher readings mean your arteries are not handling blood pressure well, raising the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Non-HDL cholesterol

This is your total cholesterol minus your HDL (the “good” cholesterol). It measures fats in the blood that can clog arteries. Lower is better, with a target of less than 130 mg/dL, or 70–100 mg/dL if you are at high risk for heart disease.

Blood sugar

High blood sugar increases the risk of diabetes, which damages arteries. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Hours of sleep per night

There is no one-size-fits-all answer but getting a consistent amount of sleep helps lower the risk of heart disease. You should get six to eight hours of sleep a night.

Staying Aware of the Key Metrics

Keeping tabs on these five key metrics can make a significant difference in your heart health journey. By regularly monitoring your steps, blood pressure, non-HDL cholesterol, blood sugar, and sleep, you can stay informed about your cardiovascular fitness and take proactive steps towards a healthier heart. Remember, small changes in your daily routine can lead to big improvements in your overall well-being. So, keep moving, eat well, sleep soundly, and stay vigilant about your heart health. Your future self will thank you!

Dr. Bobish

Dr. Bobish and her team’s goal is to help you reduce your risk of heart disease. Helping you to understand your risk factors and make healthful lifestyle changes.

Remember regardless of age or current state of health it is never too late to start protecting your heart. It is also never too soon and the sooner you act the better. Follow us on Facebook to see our latest post helping to keep you heart healthy. You can also explore all our articles that offer diet and exercise tips, recipes and information on procedures and heart disease.

Dr. Bobish and her team focus on preventative care and are here to support you. Alpine Cardiology provides patients with education as well as compassionate care and treatment. We are committed to keeping you healthy and heart smart! Request an appointment at 989-448-7002