Heart health is one of the most valuable possessions one can have. According to the CDC, 1 in 5 deaths are attributable to heart disease. Yet the WHO says 80% of all heart attacks and strokes are preventable through modifying behavior. Self-education is a powerful way to make better choices regarding cardiovascular health. Learn the three key metrics for assessing heart health.
1. Blood Pressure
Blood pressure measures how strongly blood pushes against the walls of your arteries as the heart pumps and rests between beats. The blood pressure metric tells whether your heart and blood vessels work well. When your pressure is too high, it means your heart is straining, and you could have a stroke.
According to Johns Hopkins, the optimal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg, but most normal people have 140/90 mmHg. Low blood pressure isn’t optimal, either, because it indicates you have other health issues. Working out or swimming for at least 30 minutes daily can help control your blood pressure tamil biography.
2. Resting Heart Rate
Resting heart rate (RHR) is how fast your heart beats per minute when you are not stressed or physically active. The metric measures how hard your heart works when calm and rested. According to the British Heart Foundation, the normal RHR should be 60 to 100 beats per minute in a healthy individual.
Athletes and people who are highly fit have even lower resting heart rates. That’s because their bodies adapt to pumping blood efficiently. In the same way, Dr. Ian Weisberg – a renowned cardiologist, says physical exercise makes the heart strong and efficient. Managing your stress levels also ensures your heart is not working too hard to pump blood per minute.
3. Cholesterol Levels
Cholesterol is an essential fat for your body, but too much of it can cause health issues. Cholesterol metric checks the levels of good cholesterol (HDL). Bad cholesterol (LDL) and total cholesterol. Doctors can use your cholesterol levels to determine if you are at risk of heart disease.
High LDL cholesterol levels can build up in your arteries, which could cause blockages. Ironically, high levels of HDL protect your heart health. Here are the correct levels of cholesterol levels:
- Total cholesterol:Less than 200 mg/dL is considered normal.
- LDL cholesterol: Less than 100 mg/dL, with lower being better.
- HDL cholesterol: Higher than 40 mg/dL for men and 50 mg/dL for women.
Takeaway
Cardiologists like Dr. Ian Weisberg use these four metrics and advanced tools to assess heart health. While you may have yet to gain advanced cardiovascular health knowledge, you can use the above four metrics to keep track of your behavior and choices. For instance, a high BMI is a telltale sign that it may be time to hit the gym and eat healthier foods.
