February is Heart Health Month

Our American diet is killing us, but there are some precautions we can take to help steer us away from complications due to heart disease.  The important thing is to know what the health test numbers mean when assessing your heart health. Here are a few heart health indicators you should know for your own sake and for the sake of those you care for.

Your Body Mass Index is an easy indicator of assessing your heart health. It gives you an idea of your risk for weight-related health problems.   Use this quick and easy calculator to asses what your BMI is.  A normal BMI ranges from 18.5 to 24.9.  A BMI of 25 – 29.9 is overweight and a BMI of 30+ is considered obese.

If your C-reactive protein blood test levels are elevated, you most likely have an increased risk for heart attack, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, or more.  Have this test done to give you a better idea of your heart’s condition.

Cholesterol readings are simple to remember – just ensure you keep your total cholesterol below 200 mg/dL.  Diving a little deeper, your LDL cholesterol, known as the “bad” cholesterol, should be less than 130 mg/dL.  Your Triglycerides should be less than 150 mg/dL.

Regularly monitor your  blood pressure to keep an eye for possible heart problems.  High blood pressure readings point to an increased risk of heart attack, heart failure, and stroke.   A normal blood pressure reading should be below 120/80 mm/Hg.

If you are not within the healthy range for any one of these tests, it should be a red flag to get further doctor input as well as reassess your diet and/or exercise plan.  Heart disease isn’t something that just happens, it happens over time, and left unchecked and unchanged, it could prove to be deadly.

The good news is that the BMI test and blood pressure monitoring can be done from home…or on the road.  You should check your BMI at least once a quarter to ensure it’s not increasing.  I have a scale that tells me my weight and BMI every time I weigh myself…and it tracks it for me.  This is very helpful to identify trends.

To check your blood pressure, you can now buy a simple digital wrist blood pressure monitor that can give your a blood pressure and heartbeat reading within 30 seconds.  I was excited to see that Walmart had many wrist blood pressure monitor choices, many of them for under $30.  I found one online I wanted to try, the Advocate Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor and it was only $19.99.

Because I chose the Walmart Site-to-Store option, I didn’t need to pay for shipping and Walmart sent the wrist monitor to my local Walmart store for pick-up.  The process was super easy and I didn’t have to wait in line to pick up the monitor.  The Walmart.com site-to-store pick-up desk is in a different location than the always busy Customer Service desk.

The Advocate Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor came with a plastic case to keep it safe (and it also doubles as a wrist holder when measuring your blood pressure) as well as 2 AAA batteries.  It worked right away and gave me readings that are in line with readings I have had in the past.  It’s a great tool to have on hand (or wrist!).  I plan to regularly encourage my husband to check his blood pressure readings too.

Take the time to keep your heart in check while making healthier choices that will extend your life and the lives of those you love.  Walmart.com has more tips for staying healthier in this article, 10 Steps to a Healthy Heart.  Here’s to good health!