Your heart is one of the most important organs in your body. Taking care of your heart is more than making sure you exercise every day, eat right, or even yearly check-ups. There are several other factors that play into your heart that you should monitor and be aware of so you can keep it pumping at full force. There are six key figures you should know of when dealing with your heart, here is the list and their functions:
Waist To Hip Ratio
What is your waist to hip ratio? Waist size is one way to help predict heart attacks. A study located in the Journal of the American Heart Association shows your waist-to-hip ratio is a better indicator of heart attack risk than body mass index for both males and females. Those with bigger waist to hip ratios face a higher risk than those who are slimmer in the area.
BMI
Your body mass index is also a number you will want to be aware of. Your BMI is a value of your weight in relation to your height. By lowering this number you reduce the burden on your heart and circulatory system, better your blood pressure, and reduces risk of heart disease.
Waist Circumference
Your waist circumference helps find possible health problem risk from being overweight or obesity. Your risk increases as your waist size goes up. On average a waist size of above 35 inches for women and above 40 inches for males might be a sign of increased risk.
Cholesterol Levels
Your cholesterol helps build new cells, but also can be dangerous to your blood. When cholesterol levels are too high it builds up in the walls of your arteries, causing atherosclerosis, a form of heart disease. If enough blood and oxygen reach your heart you could experience chest pains.
Blood Pressure
Your blood pressure measures the circulating blood against artery walls. If this blood is too high it can result in damage to your arteries and heart due to the excessive work it has to do with little results. High blood pressure is also the silent killer, the best way to avoid that outcome is to know your blood pressure numbers.
Glucose Levels
Impaired glucose levels have been found in many patients with heart failure. Studies done by epidemiological suggest that the effect of hyperglycemia on Heart failure is alone a cause of rising risk factors.