Did you know that someone has a heart attack every 40 seconds? Heart Disease is responsible for 25% of all deaths and the leading cause of death for men and women. Heart disease costs the United States over $200 billion dollars a year in healthcare costs, prescriptions, and lost workplace productivity.
Knowing your numbers will help you know your risk for heart disease. The following are key numbers for a reduced risk for heart disease:
- Total cholesterol of less than 200 mg/dL
- LDL less than 160 mg/dL
- HDL of 40 mg/dL or higher for males and 50 mg/dL or higher for females
- Blood Pressure less than 120/80
- AIC less than 6, glucose less than 100
- BMI less than 25
- Triglycerides less than 150 mg/dL
- Waist measurement of 35 inches or less for women and 40 inches or less for men
Did you know that about half of the people in the United States (47%) have at least one of the following risk factors for heart disease.
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Smoking
See your doctor regularly to monitor any possible risk factors. If you believe you are having a heart related problem, make sure that your doctor checks you out completely and runs any necessary tests.
Pay attention to the changes in your body, and take control of your health by taking preventive steps to protect your heart.
