by DR. ALISON YOUNG-TAN
The heart functions as a communications hub that connects major parts of the body. It is the body’s transportation network: It delivers oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, and it removes waste products. The health and functionality of your heart has major implications for your overall health.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Florida, the United States, and worldwide. It’s the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. In 2024, heart disease was the second-leading cause of death in Polk County, closely behind cancer.
Heart disease encompasses several heart conditions, such as coronary artery disease (CAD), heart failure, and arrhythmia. The most common type of heart disease in the United States is CAD. CAD affects blood flow to the heart, and when the blood flow decreases, it can lead to a heart attack.
The best way to avoid heart disease is through prevention. That means addressing the conditions that contribute to heart disease. Common lifestyle risk factors that contribute to heart disease include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity.
So how can you monitor whether your risk factors are contributing to heart disease? You can begin by knowing your numbers and what they mean for your health. By keeping track of your numbers even in between your annual health care visits, you will have better control over your health. The crucial numbers to know are your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, Body Mass Index (BMI), and waist circumference.
Blood Pressure
Blood pressure measures how hard blood pushes against the walls of the arteries when the heart beats (the top number) and when the heart rests (the bottom number). The ideal blood pressure is less than 120/80. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms, so it’s vital to check your blood pressure regularly even in between medical provider visits. Your medical provider will check your blood pressure during your visit, and they will advise on how often to check your blood pressure depending on factors such as age and genetics that may put you at greater risk for high blood pressure. If you don’t have access to an at-home blood pressure machine, health fairs, pharmacies, and large grocery stores often provide free blood pressure checks.
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fatty substance that helps make the walls of the body’s cells, but too much cholesterol can lead to buildup in the walls of your arteries. It’s recommended good cholesterol (HDL) be above 40 mg/dL for men and above 50 mg/dL for women while bad cholesterol (LDL) be below 100 mg/dL. The optimal total cholesterol should be below 200 mg/dL. The lipid test is the blood test that shows your cholesterol scores. This test is often done during medical provider visits but it’s often provided for free or low cost at health fairs, pharmacy clinics, and health centers. Search your area for free or low-cost ways to get a lipid test if you’re unsure of your numbers.
Blood Sugar
Blood sugar is the amount of sugar (glucose) in your blood. High blood sugar levels can indicate diabetes, which is a risk factor for developing heart disease. A fasting blood sugar level below 100 mg/dL is considered normal. Levels between 100–125 mg/dL indicate prediabetes, and 126 mg/dL or higher may indicate diabetes. You can check your blood sugar through a blood test at your provider’s office or at health fairs and clinics. If you have diabetes or prediabetes, monitoring your blood sugar regularly is essential.
BMI
BMI calculates body weight relative to height. Excess weight makes the heart’s job much harder, so a healthy weight is crucial to reducing several of the conditions that can lead to heart disease. A BMI below 25 is considered healthy weight. BMI calculators online will let you input your height and weight, and they will calculate your BMI.
Waist Circumference
Waist circumference is an important indicator of abdominal fat, which is linked to a higher risk of heart disease. For men, a waist measurement of 40 inches or more, and for women, 35 inches or more, is considered high risk. Use a tape measure around your waist (just above your hip bones) to check this number. Reducing waist size through healthy eating and exercise can significantly lower your risk.
Regular exercise strengthens your heart. Adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming. Even small increases can make a big difference for your heart health.
Knowing your numbers and making small, consistent changes can reduce your risk of heart disease. For resources to help you with your heart health journey, visit Heart Disease – Florida Department of Health.
About the author: Dr. Alison Young-Tan, an internal medicine/pediatrics physician, currently serves the community as medical director for the Florida Department of Health in Polk County (DOH-Polk).