Healthy Living
Health Numbers That Matter
Our health numbers, such as our weight, blood sugar, blood cholesterol and blood pressure, are crucial in evaluating the status of our health. Medical professionals conduct tests and procedures to determine if our health numbers fall within the normal range in order to detect potential health risks and help prevent them.
1. Blood Sugar
Diabetes is a condition that causes blood sugar levels to spike. If you suspect that you have diabetes, it is recommended to inform your doctor and request for a hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c ) test. This test provides your average blood sugar for the past two to three months and can help your doctor diagnose your condition. HbA1c results come in percentages:
- Normal: below 5.7%
- Prediabetes: 5.7% - 6.4%
- Diabetes: 6.5% or higher
For people with diabetes, the American Diabetes Association recommends maintaining the HbA1c levels below 7%. Some of the best ways to keep your blood sugar within the normal range, include avoiding stress, reducing your sugar intake, limiting refined carbohydrates, eating more fiber, drinking more water and exercising regularly.
2. Blood Pressure
A blood pressure of less than 120/80 mm Hg is considered normal. The top number (120) is the peak pressure in the arteries, while the bottom number (80) is the lowest pressure. Having a high blood pressure means that your blood pumps through your blood vessels and your heart with more force than required, which can lead to problems, such as heart attack, stroke and kidney failure.
To keep your blood pressure within the normal range, exercise regularly and limit high-fat meals, processed foods, salty foods and whole-fat dairy products.
3. Blood Cholesterol
High cholesterol levels may eventually lead to heart disease. To measure your cholesterol levels, your doctor will recommend a blood test called lipoprotein panel. This test will give you information about your total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, triglycerides and non-HDL.
The normal cholesterol numbers vary depending on your age and gender.
Age 19 or younger
| Type of Cholesterol | Healthy Range |
| Total Cholesterol | Less than 170mg/dL |
| LDL | Less than 100mg/dL |
| HDL | Less than 45mg/dL |
| Non-HDL | Less than 120mg/dL |
Men age 20 and above
| Type of Cholesterol | Healthy Range |
| Total Cholesterol | Less than 125 to 200mg/dL |
| LDL | Less than 100mg/dL |
| HDL | 40mg/dL or higher |
| Non-HDL | Less than 130mg/dL |
Women age 20 and above
| Type of Cholesterol | Healthy Range |
| Total Cholesterol | 125 to 200mg/dL |
| LDL | Less than 100mg/dL |
| HDL | 50mg/dL or higher |
| Non-HDL | Less than 130mg/dL |
Lifestyle changes can help lower or manage your cholesterol levels. These include heart-healthy eating, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding stress and not smoking.
4. Body Weight
Carrying the extra weight may increase your risk of type 2 diabetes, stroke and heart disease. It can also contribute to high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and high blood sugar. The American Heart Association recommends a body mass index (BMI) of 18.6 to 24.9 and a waistline of less than 40 inches for men and smaller than 35 inches for women.
You can measure your BMI through free BMI calculators online or by asking your doctor. If you need to lose weight, you can start with making small changes, such as exercising more, eating smaller portions throughout the day or cutting back on calories and keeping a support system.
Final Thoughts
If your health numbers do not fall on the normal range, work closely with your doctor to manage your condition and prevent potential health risks.
Sources:
American Diabetes Association
American Heart Association
Medline
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Health Information Center
