Staying on top of your health is important, no matter your age. Routine screenings are a central focus in preventive health, including the basic measures we take during physical exams, but what do those numbers mean?
Kadie E. Leach, MD, loves empowering her patients to take active control of their health and wellness. That includes providing current, science-backed information on health markers like blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose.
High blood pressure (hypertension) is often referred to in the medical community as a “silent killer.” Many people have no idea they have high blood pressure until they experience a stroke, heart attack, or other serious medical issue.
Each heartbeat moves oxygenated blood into your arteries. That pulsing places pressure on the inside of your arterial walls. Blood pressure (BP) is measured as the pressure created during a heartbeat (systolic) and the pressure present in the pause between heartbeats (diastolic).
Readings at or slightly below 120/80 (systolic/diastolic) are considered normal. Once you move beyond these numbers, you inch closer to hypertension. Blood pressure readings above 130/80 indicate hypertension, and you should take steps to bring your BP down as soon as possible.
Your pancreas produces insulin, a hormone that allows cells to accept the glucose (a type of sugar) that circulates in your blood. Diabetes is a chronic disease that develops when your body either does not produce enough glucose or can’t use it properly.
When this happens, glucose builds up in your blood. Your cells aren’t getting the nutrients they need to thrive, and a wide range of serious health problems can follow. Examples include heart disease, vision loss, and circulatory issues that can lead to amputation.
Readings above 70-99 mg/dc are considered normal for people who don’t have diabetes. If your readings are 100-125 mg/dl, you might have prediabetes, which can easily shift into type 2 diabetes. Readings higher than 126 mg/dl usually indicate a diabetes diagnosis.
Cholesterol is a waxy, sticky substance that your body needs to create hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids that dissolve fat. Your liver produces almost all of the cholesterol you need to stay healthy, but you also take in additional cholesterol from certain foods.
When you consume more cholesterol than you need, the excess goes into your bloodstream and eventually adheres to the walls of your arteries. Over time, this can cause your arteries to narrow, making it harder for your heart to pump blood throughout your body.
Cholesterol includes high-density lipoprotein (the “good” cholesterol), low-density lipoprotein (the “bad” cholesterol), and triglycerides (which can increase your risk of stroke or heart attack). Screenings also usually measure your total cholesterol, a combination of the above.
Total cholesterol readings below 200, with LDL below 100 and HDL 60 or higher, are considered healthy. Once you reach a total cholesterol above 240 with LDL above 160 and HDL below 40 for men and 50 for women, you have high cholesterol, and should work to lower your numbers.
One of the best things about partnering with a physician like Dr. Leach is the peace of mind that comes with knowing a skilled professional is monitoring all of these health markers. When you come in for routine physicals, your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar are measured and recorded in your medical records.
If your readings are concerning, Dr. Leach sits down with you to discuss what you can do to bring your numbers closer to healthy levels. Catching elevated readings early can even allow you to get them under control with diet and exercise. If you’re living with a chronic disease or have dangerously high readings, you might need medication to lower them as quickly as possible.
If you’re ready to learn where you stand, Kadie E. Leach, MD, is happy to provide a comprehensive health assessment and personalized treatment plan. You can contact us online or by phone to schedule a visit at your earliest convenience.
