Key Numbers for Heart Health

Did you know that three numbers could save your life? It’s true.These heart-healthy numbers can provide a preview of your cardiac risk.

  1. Blood pressure
  2. Cholesterol levels
  3. Waist size

Blood Pressure: Key to Heart Health

Blood pressure consists of two numbers: systolic pressure and diastolic pressure. Your systolic pressure measures the pressure of blood against artery walls when the heart is pumping out blood during a heartbeat. Diastolic pressure measures the same pressure between heartbeats, when the heart fills with blood. Both of the numbers are important.

Here are a few guidelines:

  • Normal blood pressure is below 120/80
  • Pre-hypertension is 120 to 139 (systolic) and/or 80 to 89 (diastolic)
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure) is 140 or higher (systolic) and 90 or higher (diastolic)

One in three adults in the United States has pre-hypertension or hypertension. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. Many people have high blood pressure for years without even knowing it, which is why it is called the “silent killer.”

Cholesterol: Predictor of Heart Attack

Cholesterol measurements consist of three different numbers: HDL (good cholesterol), LDL (bad cholesterol), and triglycerides. Here are the numbers to strive for:

  • Total cholesterol of 200 mg/dL or lower
  • HDL of 50 mg/dL or higher for women and 40 mg/dL or higher for men
  • LDL of 100 or lower. Your doctor may want your LDL closer to 70 if you have pre-existing cardiovascular disease or diabetes.
  • Triglycerides of less than 150 mg/dL

Small changes in any of the numbers listed above can make a big difference. For example, for every point you raise your HDL, you reduce your risk for coronary artery disease by two percent.

LDL is the number most doctors focus on. Every point of LDL you can decrease makes a difference.

Waist Size: The Connection to Heart Disease

Waist size is a better predictor of heart disease than weight or body mass index (BMI). You may be at risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, metabolic problems, high blood pressure, and abnormal cholesterol if you have a waist size:

Women: greater than 35 inches

Men: greater than 40 inches

This number is a better indicator of heart health than weight, because waist size changes in relation to your fitness level. For example, if you are working out, you may reduce your waist size even though you gain weight by turning lighter fat into heavier lean muscle mass.

Healthy numbers equal a healthy heart. If you are not satisfied with your numbers, you can turn them around by living a healthy lifestyle: eat a balanced diet, get regular exercise, and avoid smoking.

Visit PacificSource.com for free online tools and resources

As a PacificSource member, you can access CaféWell, an online health engagement portal. To get started, go to PacificSource.com, log into InTouch, and then click on the CaféWell button.

Visit CaféWell to:

  • Complete the health assessment to identify your potential health risks.
  • Get your health and wellness questions answered by an expert health coach.
  • Connect with family, friends, and others with similar health goals.
  • Access helpful tips and articles on health and wellness.

If you have questions about your coverage, a claim, or any benefit or service, please visit PacificSource.com and log in to InTouch for Members to access information, or contact our Customer Service team:

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