Your cardiovascular system is responsible for transporting oxygen and nutrients throughout your body. It is also responsible for removing carbon dioxide and other waste products from your body.

A healthy cardiovascular system is vital for overall health and wellbeing. There are several critical measurements that you should track to ensure that your cardiovascular system is working properly.

Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. When your blood pressure is too high, it can cause damage to your arteries and increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Normal blood pressure is considered to be around 120/80 mmHg. You should have your blood pressure checked regularly, especially if you have high blood pressure or a family history of heart disease.

Cholesterol Levels

Cholesterol is a type of fat that is found in your bloodstream. When you have high levels of cholesterol, it can build up in your arteries and increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.

There are two types of cholesterol: LDL (bad) cholesterol and HDL (good) cholesterol. Your cholesterol levels should be checked regularly, especially if you have high cholesterol or a family history of heart disease.

Blood Glucose Levels

Blood glucose (blood sugar) levels are an important measurement for tracking cardiovascular health. High blood glucose levels can damage your blood vessels, increasing your risk of heart disease and stroke.

If you have diabetes, it’s especially important to monitor your blood glucose levels regularly.

Body Mass Index (BMI)

Body mass index (BMI) is a measurement of your body fat based on your height and weight. A BMI of 25 or higher is considered overweight, and a BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese.

Excess body fat puts a strain on your cardiovascular system, increasing your risk of heart disease and stroke. It’s important to maintain a healthy BMI through diet and exercise.

Waist Circumference

Waist circumference is another measurement that is important for tracking cardiovascular health. Excess fat around the waist (visceral fat) is particularly harmful, increasing your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other health problems.

Men with a waist circumference of over 40 inches and women with a waist circumference of over 35 inches are at increased risk of heart disease.

Resting Heart Rate

Your resting heart rate is the number of times your heart beats per minute when you are at rest. A lower resting heart rate indicates better cardiovascular health.

You can check your resting heart rate by taking your pulse for one minute when you first wake up in the morning. A normal resting heart rate is typically between 60 and 100 beats per minute.

Cardiovascular Fitness

Cardiovascular fitness is a measurement of your body’s ability to use oxygen efficiently during exercise. Regular exercise can improve cardiovascular health by strengthening your heart and improving blood flow.

You can measure your cardiovascular fitness by performing a stress test or using a heart rate monitor during exercise.

By tracking these 7 critical measurements, you can ensure that your cardiovascular system is functioning properly. If you have any concerns or questions about your cardiovascular health, be sure to speak with your healthcare provider.

With proper care and attention, you can maintain a healthy cardiovascular system and reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.