Men, no matter what your age, keeping track of certain health numbers is
one of the most important things you can do to stay healthy. “Your
blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and body mass index numbers are
key indicators of your risk for serious illness,” says Dr. Keith
McManus of
Catawba Valley Family Medicine – Maiden. “By knowing these numbers, you can make changes to improve your
health and reduce your risk of developing heart disease, diabetes and
other serious illnesses.”
Here are the 4 numbers you should know and why:
Blood Pressure
Your Healthy Goal: Less than 120/80 mm Hg
Why it matters: Blood pressure is the force at which your heart pumps
blood through your arteries. If it’s too high, it puts extra strain
on your arteries and on your heart. Over time, this strain can cause vessels
to become clogged up or to weaken, which in turn can lead to narrow blood
vessels and clots that can cause damage to the heart or brain.
Cholesterol
Your Healthy Goal: Less than 200 mg/dL total
Why it matters: Cholesterol is a fat-like substance found in your blood
and in all your body’s cells. The American Heart Association (AHA)
says you need a certain amount of cholesterol for good health. But too
much cholesterol in your blood can lead to hardening and narrowing of
the arteries, specifically caused by the slow buildup of plaque inside
of the artery. As it grows, the buildup of plaque narrows the inside of
the artery and, in time, may restrict blood flow to the heart.
Blood Sugar
Your Healthy Goal: Up to 100 mg/dL
Why it matters: The food we eat is broken down into glucose which then
enters into the bloodstream where it’s used by cells for energy.
For cells to use glucose, however, insulin must be present. If the insulin
isn’t present, or if the cells don’t respond to it the glucose
stays in the bloodstream, causing a rise in the blood sugar (blood glucose)
level. Extra sugar in your bloodstream is a sign of diabetes, a disease
that can harm every organ in your body, while also damaging nerves and
blood vessels.
Body Mass Index (BMI)
Your Healthy Goal: 18.5 to 24.9
Why it matters: BMI is a formula, using your weight and height, that can
help determining whether you’re overweight or obese. Being overweight
puts you at a higher-than-average risk for a wide range of health problems,”
said Dr. McManus. “Included in these health conditions are the nation’s
leading causes of death—heart disease, stroke, diabetes and certain
cancers.”
If your numbers are high or low, your provider can explain what they mean
and suggest how you can get them to a healthier range. Be sure to ask
them what tests you need and how often you need them. To make an appointment
with Dr. McManus at
Catawba Valley Family Practice – Maiden located at 137 Island Ford Road, call 828.428.2446.