BP, BMI, less than, good, bad…the numbers and names can be daunting, but take ownership of your health and make sure you know your numbers — and what they mean.
For more health screening guidelines, click here.
Blood Pressure
Measures the pressure put on artery walls when your heart beats and between beats.
140/90 mm Hg or above is high
120/80 to 139/89 mm Hg is prehypertension
Less than 120/80 mm Hg is normal
Cholesterol
Know the "good" (HDL), the "bad" (LDL) and the fats (your triglycerides). The higher your HDL, the lower your chance of heart disease, while the more LDL and triglycerides you have, the greater your chance of heart disease.
Total cholesterol should be less than 200 mg/dL
HDL levels at 50 mg/dL or above are ideal
LDL levels should be below 130 mg/dL (even lower with certain health issues)
Triglycerides should be below 150
Blood Sugar
A measure of how much sugar (glucose) is in your blood. High blood sugar can signal diabetes.
Fasting levels below 100 mg/dL are healthy
Fasting levels between 100 mg/dL and 125 mg/dL are considered prediabetes
Fasting levels of 126 mg/dL or higher typically result in a diabetes diagnosis
Body Mass Index (BMI)
BMI indicates whether or not a person is overweight or obese. Weight (in pounds) ÷ height² (in inches) X 703 = BMI
19 to 25 indicates a healthy weight
26 to 30 is overweight (excluding well-muscled individuals)
31 or higher is considered obese
Calculate your BMI.
Waist Circumference
Number of inches around your unclothed abdomen, just above the hip bone, can indicate your risk for some diseases like diabetes.
A measurement of less than 35 inches is desirable for a woman and less than 40 inches for a man.
Four tips for building a better relationship with your doctor
- If you'll need extra time for discussion, let the office staff know when you make the appointment. Let the doctor know you have questions or concerns, and take the time for a complete discussion.
- Let the doctor know all of the medications you take, including over-the-counter and herbal supplements. Some medications or herbs can interact with other medications. Keep a list of all medications you take and carry it with you at all times.
- Make sure you understand what the doctor wants you to do. Ask the doctor or nurse to explain any treatments or procedures until you're sure you understand. Write them down.
- Don't be shy. Don't hide parts of your personal or health history out of embarrassment or fear. Your doctor is there to help, and your privacy is always one of his or her key concerns.
Make the most of your time with your doctor by downloading our free tip sheet to help you track your numbers and other important information you and your doctor discuss.
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