December 9th, 2013
What’s your number?
Results of screening tests are key to managing health
We are bombarded by passwords and numbers that allow us access to information and persons of interest. It’s hard to keep track of them all. But there some numbers we should not forget. They provide a snapshot of our health and a warning when something is going awry.
Blood Pressure
- Normal — Less than 120/80
- Pre-hypertension — 120 to 139 / 80 to 89
- Stage 1 hypertension — 140 to 159 / 90 to 99
- Stage 2 hypertension — 160/100 and above
Cholesterol
- Total — Less than 200
- HDL — “Good” Cholesterol, Greater than 40 for men, Greater than 50 for women
- LDL — “Bad” Cholesterol, Less than 100
Triglycerides
- Less than 150
Blood Glucose
- Fasting — Less than 100
- Random (after eating) — Less than 140
Waist Circumference
- Women — under 35 inches
- Men — under 40 inches
Body Mass Index (BMI)
- 18.5 – 24.9