Meriter Heart & Vascular Hospital would like to encourage YOU to take care of your
heart!
Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the U.S. for both men and
women. The good news – heart disease can be prevented. Know your risk factors
and what you can do about them.
| Risk Factor: |
Goal:
|
| Total Cholesterol |
Less than 200 mg/dL |
| LDL (“Bad”)
Cholesterol |
Low risk for heart disease: less than 160 mg/dL
Intermediate risk for heart disease: less than 130 mg/dL
High risk or those with heart disease or diabetes: less than 100
mg/dL (optional: less than 70 mg/dL) |
| HDL (“Good”)
Cholesterol |
Greater than 40 mg/dL for men
Greater than 50 mg/dL for women
60 mg/dl or more may protect against heart disease |
| Triglycerides |
Less than 150 mg/dL |
| Blood Pressure |
Less than 120/80 mmHG |
| Smoking |
Complete cessation and avoidance |
| Fasting Blood Glucose |
Less than 100 mg/dL |
| Body Mass Index |
Less than 25 (multiply your weight in pounds by 703, divide
by your
height in inches squared) |
| Waist Circumference |
Less than 40 inches for men
Less than 35 inches for women |
| Exercise |
At least 30 minutes on most, if not all days of the week |
