| Know the facts | Know your numbers | Know your risk factors | Manage your risk factors |
| Exercise for life | Eat heart healthy | Manage your stress | Work with your doctor |
| Additional Resources | |||
Heart Health
Eight Steps to a Healthy Heart
Step Two: Know your numbers
What is your blood pressure?
If you don't know your blood pressure, ask your doctor to check it at your next visit.
For more information, click on the link below:
High Blood PressureWhat is your body mass index (BMI)?
BMI is a calculation based on your weight and your height. Knowing your BMI will help you determine whether you need to lose weight.
To calculate your BMI, click here: Body Mass Index Calculator
What is your cholesterol level?
Everyone over age 20 should have their cholesterol measured at least once every five years. The preferred test for cholesterol levels is a lipoprotein profile. This is a fasting blood test (where you fast for 9 to 12 hours before the test is done) to check your cholesterol levels (measured in mg/dL, or milligrams per deciliter of blood), including your:
- Total blood cholesterol level.
- LDL level (bad cholesterol).
- HDL level (good cholesterol).
- Triglyceride (another form of fat in the blood) level.
Additional Resources
To find out how much you know about cholesterol, take the Cholesterol Quiz.
To get additional information about cholesterol, click on any of the links listed below:
What is your fasting blood sugar? (If you have diabetes, you also should know your Hemoglobin A1c?)
A simple blood test can indicate whether or not your blood sugar levels are too high. Get your fasting blood sugar tested if you:
- Are over 45.
- Have a family history of diabetes.
- Are overweight.
- Are physically inactive.
- Have high blood pressure.
- Had high blood sugar levels when pregnant (gestational diabetes).
To get additional information about diabetes, click on the links listed below:
Frequently Asked Questions about Diabetes
CONTROL YOUR HEMOGLOBIN A1c
If you have diabetes, check your hemoglobin A1c and keep it under control.
Hemoglobin A1c measures blood sugar control over the previous three months. Ask you doctor to check your Hemoglobin A1c four times a year.
Additional Resources
