When it comes to your health, there are some numbers you should know by heart. Discover if your numbers are where they should be, and get tips for disease prevention and heart-healthy living in these infographics:
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Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is a major cause of coronary heart disease. It’s the culprit behind most cholesterol buildup and arterial blockages in your body.
Find out if your LDL cholesterol level is where it should be.
Your BMI calculates your body fat, based on your height and weight. The higher your BMI, the greater your risks of heart disease, stroke, hypertension and diabetes.
Did you know that having an “apple” shape (where fat sits around your middle) is more risky for your heart than having a “pear” shape (where fat sits around your hips)? That’s why your waist circumference is important.
Find out if your waist circumference puts you at risk for heart disease and other problems.
Your waist-to-hip ratio is a measurement of the amount of fat you hold in your waist, hips and buttocks. You can calculate your WHR by using a tape measure. Your hip circumference should be taken at the widest part of your buttocks and your waist circumference should be taken at the smallest part of your mid-section just above the belly button. Divide your waist circumference by your hip circumference to get your WHR.
A healthy WHR for women is .80 or less and for men is .90 or less.
Many people don’t realize that triglycerides are not a type of cholesterol. But high levels of this blood fat are linked to coronary heart disease, especially in women.
Find out if your levels put you at risk and learn how to lower them.
Blood pressure often, but not always, rises as we age. High blood pressure (hypertension) is silent, but it raises risks of heart disease, stroke and other problems.
Find out what your numbers say about your heart disease risk and how to lower them.
When your body can’t make insulin or respond well to it, glucose builds up in your blood, damaging blood vessels and nerves. That’s why your doctor may recommend a fasting glucose test.
Find out what your fasting glucose level says about your risk for heart disease and stroke.
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You can counter the risk of prediabetes-related heart attack or stroke by eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains, as well as exercising regularly
LDL cholesterol and lipoprotein (a) cholesterol are more likely to stick to your arteries and lead to dangerous heart events
Having underweight, having overweight and having obesity can be dangerous for your heart
This technology can benefit your workouts by helping you hit your target heart rate, resulting in better overall health and wellness
A resting heart rate below 35–40 beats per minute or over 100 beats per minute may be cause for concern
Your natural estrogen levels support a healthy heart by improving your cholesterol, increasing blood flow and reducing free radicals
Ground flaxseed is full of heart-healthy omega-3s, antioxidants and fiber, and easy to add to just about any recipe
They’re rarely cause for concern, but you should still talk to a healthcare provider about your symptoms
Your metabolism may torch 1,300 to 2,000 calories daily with no activity
A gentle touch in all the right places may help drain your sinuses
Pump up your iron intake with foods like tuna, tofu and turkey