Dr. Terry Schlimbaum
I am sure everyone knows his/her shoe size and you know your checking account number, but you probably don’t know your cholesterol or triglyceride numbers.
This year, make it a point to ask your physician for your cholesterol and triglyceride numbers, as well as your blood pressure. Knowing these numbers is an important part of keeping your heart healthy.
According to the American Heart Association, your total cholesterol should be less than 200 mg/dl. Your LDL which is the “bad” cholesterol can vary. Less than 100 mg/dl is optimal, 100 to 129 mg/dl is near optimal, 130 to 159 mg/dl is borderline high, 160 to 189 mg/dl is high and 190 mg/dl and above is considered very high.
Your HDL is considered your “good” cholesterol and should be 50 mg/dl or higher. Triglycerides should be less than 150 mg/dl. The best way to reduce your risk for heart disease is to start exercising at least 30 minutes a day. Regular exercise, especially aerobic exercise, has many benefits which include: lowering your blood pressure, strengthens your heart and cardiovascular system, helps reduce body fat and stress, strengthens bones, improves muscle tone and helps to increase your energy and endurance.
In addition to exercise, it is important to make changes in your diet to reduce your risk for a heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure and cholesterol and excess body weight. More than half of heart disease is preventable. In fact, studies have shown that 90 percent of heart attacks in women can be prevented. According to the Archives of Internal Medicine, women who eat a lot of veggies, fruit, whole grains, fish and legumes, drink moderate amounts of alcohol, exercise, maintain a healthy weight and do not smoke have a 92 percent decreased risk of having a heart attack compared to women with less healthy habits.
Eating foods that are low in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol and sodium will help reduce your risks. Drink water or unsweetened fruit juices instead of soda. Reduce portion size and prepare snacks that are healthier and lower in calorie.
If you smoke, quit. Smoking is the most preventable cause of death. If you smoke cigarettes or cigars you have a higher risk of illness and death from a heart attack, stroke and other diseases. If you quit today, you will decrease your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Make today the day you schedule an appointment with your physician for an annual physical. If you need a physician, call 1-800-511-4HMC.
