Heart month: Know your numbers
It’s American Heart Month. Here’s a great way to love your heart.
February is more than just a time to show your heart on Valentine’s Day. It’s also American Heart Month, a great time to commit to taking care of your heart.
"There’s no better time than during Heart Month to begin thinking about the care that you need to catch up on and to develop a plan to get it done," says John Gundry, MD, a heart disease specialist at PeaceHealth in Springfield, Oregon.
One of the best ways to measure your heart health and catch any potential issues early on is with yearly lab work and simple screenings.
Numbers to know
- Cholesterol: This is a fatty, wax-like substance that builds up around your cells. Too much of it can lead to coronary artery disease. Your doctor may check your total cholesterol, levels of bad cholesterol (LDL), and levels of good cholesterol (HDL). All are important measures of your overall health and risk for heart disease.
- Triglycerides: These are a type of fat found in your blood. They are often included in a cholesterol test. At high levels, triglycerides can cause your arteries to harden and thicken (arteriosclerosis). This may eventually lead to heart disease and stroke.
- Blood pressure: This is one of the most common indicators of heart health and overall health. And you can check it at home with an affordable monitor. When measuring your blood pressure, pay attention to the two numbers in your reading. Both the systolic (at the top) and diastolic (at the bottom) are important. The top number shows the pressure in your arteries when your heart contracts. The bottom is the pressure when your heart rests between beats.
- Fasting glucose (blood sugar): This is most often used to diagnose or monitor diabetes. Fasting glucose is the amount of sugar in your body after a night without food. It can also point to your risk for stroke or heart disease.
Heart health and children
Heart health isn’t only important for adults. It’s something to pay attention to in kids as well. Children don’t often need the detailed tests recommended for adults. But it's important for parents to be aware of the signs of heart concerns in little ones, too.
Symptoms to watch for include:
- Getting short of breath or sweaty when feeding (infants).
- Getting short of breath or exhausted sooner than other kids when exercising.
- Blue coloring in the lips, tongue or gums.
- Passing out or fainting.
- Chest pain or dizziness when exercising (especially among older children and teenagers).
Practical ways to protect your heart
Better heart health can start today with a few easy steps. Along with knowing your numbers, there are simple activities you can do, Dr. Gundry says. “A brisk daily 20-minute walk is shown to have heart-protective effects.”
And as always, if you have concerns about your heart health, don’t delay care! Book a visit with your primary care provider or a PeaceHealth heart specialist to talk about any issues that come up. Together you can create a plan for your specific situation and health needs.
“You are your own best advocate when it comes to your health," Dr. Gundry adds. “It’s important that you’re in the know and prepared for your next appointment with us.”
