Keeping track of your health numbers is important for preventing chronic diseases and maintaining good health. Most people only pay attention to their weight, but there are other numbers that are equally important.

Knowing your health numbers can help you identify potential health problems at an early stage, and taking steps to correct them can prevent more serious issues down the road.

Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is a measure of the pressure in your arteries as your heart pumps blood throughout your body. Elevated blood pressure can put you at risk for heart disease and stroke. A blood pressure reading of 120/80 is considered normal.

However, if your blood pressure consistently reads above this range, you may need to make some lifestyle changes to bring it down. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and reducing stress can all help to lower your blood pressure.

Cholesterol

High cholesterol is a common health problem that can increase your risk for heart disease and stroke. Cholesterol is a waxy substance that can build up in your arteries and form plaque.

This can cause your arteries to narrow and make it harder for blood to flow through them. A blood test can determine your cholesterol level. There are two types of cholesterol: LDL (bad) and HDL (good). Ideally, your LDL cholesterol level should be below 100 mg/dL, and your HDL cholesterol level should be above 60 mg/dL.

Blood Sugar

Blood sugar, or glucose, is a measure of the sugar in your blood. High blood sugar can be a sign of diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic condition that requires careful management to prevent complications.

A fasting blood sugar test can determine your blood sugar level. Ideally, your fasting blood sugar level should be below 100 mg/dL. If your blood sugar level is consistently high, you may need to make lifestyle changes to bring it down.

Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress can all help to lower your blood sugar.

Body Mass Index

Body Mass Index, or BMI, is a measure of your body fat based on your height and weight. A BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy. A BMI of 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight, and a BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese.

Being overweight or obese can increase your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and other health problems. If your BMI is above the healthy range, you may need to make lifestyle changes to lose weight.

Waist Circumference

Waist circumference is another measure of body fat. High waist circumference can be a sign of excess abdominal fat, which can increase your risk for heart disease and other health problems.

For men, a waist circumference of 40 inches or more is considered high. For women, a waist circumference of 35 inches or more is considered high. If your waist circumference is high, you may need to make lifestyle changes to reduce your belly fat.

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 can be a sign of good cardiovascular health.

Athletes often have lower resting heart rates because their hearts are more efficient at pumping blood throughout their bodies. A resting heart rate of 60 to 100 beats per minute is considered normal. However, some individuals may have a resting heart rate as low as 40 beats per minute, which is still considered normal.

Vitamin D Levels

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that helps your body absorb calcium and maintain strong bones. Low levels of vitamin D can increase your risk for osteoporosis, a condition that causes weak bones and increases your risk for fractures.

A blood test can determine your vitamin D level. Ideally, your vitamin D level should be between 30 and 60 ng/mL. If your vitamin D level is low, you may need to take supplements or spend more time in the sun to increase your vitamin D levels.

Triglycerides

Triglycerides are a type of fat that is found in your blood. High triglyceride levels can increase your risk for heart disease. A blood test can determine your triglyceride level. Ideally, your triglyceride level should be below 150 mg/dL.

If your triglyceride level is high, you may need to make lifestyle changes to bring it down. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and reducing stress can all help to lower your triglyceride levels.

C-Reactive Protein

C-reactive protein, or CRP, is a protein that can be produced by your liver in response to inflammation in your body. High levels of CRP can be a sign of inflammation, which can increase your risk for heart disease.

A blood test can determine your CRP level. Ideally, your CRP level should be below 1.0 mg/L. If your CRP level is high, you may need to make lifestyle changes to reduce inflammation in your body.

Albumin and Creatinine Ratio

The Albumin and Creatinine Ratio, or ACR, is a measure of the amount of protein in your urine. High levels of protein in your urine can be a sign of kidney damage. A blood test can determine your ACR level. Ideally, your ACR level should be below 30 mg/g.

If your ACR level is high, you may need to make lifestyle changes or take medication to protect your kidneys.

Conclusion

Keeping track of your health numbers is important for staying healthy.

Paying attention to your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, body mass index, waist circumference, resting heart rate, vitamin D levels, triglycerides, C-reactive protein, and albumin and creatinine ratio can all help you identify potential health problems and take steps to correct them. Talk to your doctor about your health numbers and what you can do to improve them.