World Heart Day: 5 Key Numbers Reveal Your Heart Health
29th September is observed as World Heart Day and we thought that we should write something for you to analyze your heart health and adopt lifestyle changes accordingly.
Have you ever wondered whether you are at a risk of acquiring coronary heart diseases? Here are 5 key factors for you to analyze your risk rate.
- Age
Age and heart health are directly proportional. According to the World Heart Federation, there is a significant rise in risk rate of Coronary Heart Diseases and heart attacks as you cross the age 55 threshold.
- BMI
You might be aware that obesity majorly affects your heart health; BMI i.e. Body Mass Index is a WHO assured method to measure excessive mass accumulation in your body. BMI is calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by the square of his or her height. Refer the chart below by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services).
BMI
Underweight Below 18.5
Normal 18.5 – 24.9
Overweight 25.0 – 29.9
Obese 20.0 and above
- Waist circumference
Some studies suggest that in order to precisely predict the CHD risk, besides BMI, the parts of our bodies where extra weight occurs is a major factor to be accounted for. People who carry their weight much around their waist are to worry; the risk of developing heart diseases goes up when the waist size is greater than 35 inches for women or greater than 40 inches for men.
- Cholesterol levels
According to an article on the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), high blood cholesterol accounts as one of the major risk factors for heart disorders. When the cholesterol levels rise in the body, it accumulates in the walls of arteries, resulting in narrowed arteries. High levels of LDL,( low-density-lipoprotein) usually termed as the ‘bad cholesterol,’ are to be worried about. The ideal level of cholesterol is determined depending on your age and other risk factor profiles but in general, LDL 130-159 mg/dL is considered as borderline-high. Triglycerides levels higher than 150-199 mg/dL can also raise risk of acquiring heart diseases.
- Blood Pressure
When it comes to cardiovascular health, Blood Pressure is an important measure. Blood pressure is the force of pushing against the walls of arteries as the heart pumps blood. Numbers should ideally be equal to or lower than 120/80 mmHg; if your blood pressure is more than 140/90 then you have hypertension.
It’s always better to assess your health status and then take actions in the right direction according to the present conditions. So evaluate yourself with these numbers and check with your Doctor for medical assistance.
Related Articles:
Healthy Habits That Can Keep Your Heart Healthy
Healthy Diet for a Happy Heart
References:
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI),
Assessing Your Weight and Health Risk, official website (assessed on 20th September 2017)
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/lose_wt/risk.htm
- World Health Organisation (WHO),
Obesity, official website (assessed on 20th September 2017)
http://www.who.int/topics/obesity/en/
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI),
Who Is at Risk for Heart Diseases? Official website (assessed on 20th September 2017)
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/hdw/atrisk
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI),
High Blood Cholesterol: What You Need to Know, official website (assessed on 20th September 2017)
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/resources/heart/heart-cholesterol-hbc-what-html
- World Heart Federation,
Risk factors, official website (assessed on 20th September 2017)
https://www.world-heart-federation.org/resources/risk-factors/
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information.