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Know Your Numbers, Lower Your Risk

Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States. And as you get older, the chances for heart disease increase. When it comes to heart health, it’s important to know your numbers. Keeping track of your blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and body mass index numbers can help you know whether your heart is healthy or if you’re at risk of heart disease.

Do You Need Your Numbers Checked?

Get evaluated by one of our cardiologists. We have offices in Burlington, Ocean and Atlantic counties.

Senior woman taking blood pressure

Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against blood vessel walls. It’s measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). It is sometimes referred to as “the silent killer” because people often don’t know they have it.

Malignant hypertension is a dangerous form of very high blood pressure. Symptoms may include:

  • Severe headache
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Confusion
  • Vision changes
  • Nosebleeds

Blood Pressure Stages

Blood Pressure Category
mm Hg (upper #)
Systolic
mm Hg (upper #)
And/Or Diastolic
mm Hg (lower #)
Normal less than 120 and less than 80
Elevated 120-129 and less than 80
High Blood Pressure(Hypertension) Stage 1 130-139 or 80-89
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Stage 2 140 or higher or 90 or higher
Hypertensive Crisis (Seek Emergency Care) higher than 180 and/or higher than 120

Body Mass Index

Obesity is a medical condition that involves having an excessive amount of body fat and classified as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater. It occurs when you take in more calories than you burn through exercise and normal activities. There are health problems and other diseases that can occur with being obese such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and certain cancers.

  • Underweight: Below 18.5
  • Normal: 18.5 – 24.9
  • Overweight: 25.0 – 29.9
  • Obesity: 30.0 and Higher
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Blood Sugar

Your blood sugar number is important because it can tell if you have, or are at risk for diabetes.

  • A fasting blood sugar level of 99 mg/dL or lower is normal
  • Between 100 and 125 mg/dL is considered prediabetes
  • 126 mg/dL or higher indicates you have diabetes

When you have diabetes, your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use it as well as it should. The result is too much blood sugar in your bloodstream, which can cause health problems like heart disease, kidney disease and the loss of your eyesight.

Cholesterol

Hyperlipidemia is the medical term for high blood cholesterol, or a significant amount of “fat” in the blood. This can increase the chance of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. A blood test is done to check your cholesterol. Your cholesterol numbers show how much cholesterol is circulating in your blood.

Your HDL (“good” cholesterol) is the one number you want to be high (ideally above 60). Your LDL (“bad” cholesterol) should be below 100. Your total should be below 200.

Hyperlipidemia does not produce symptoms. If it results in coronary heart disease (CHD) or atherosclerosis, symptoms can include:

  • Chest pain or pressure (angina)
  • Blockage of blood vessels in brain and heart
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart attack
  • Stroke

Diagnosis

These numbers help you and your doctor track your overall health. If any of them get out of control, they could lead to some potentially serious diseases. Diagnosing these numbers early can help prevent heart disease, stroke, eye problems, and chronic kidney disease.

A Deborah physician can evaluate these numbers for you and help you get these numbers in line.

Check Your BP Between Appointments at a Deborah Blood Pressure Kiosk

Cherry Hill, NJ 
JCC Katz Center
1301 Springdale Rd, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
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Hamilton Township, NJ
Hamilton Area YMCA
1315 Whitehorse Mercerville Rd, Hamilton Township, NJ 08619
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Moorestown, NJ
Moorestown Mall
400 NJ-38, Moorestown, NJ 08057
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Mt. Laurel, NJ
Mt. Laurel YMCA
59 Centerton Rd, Mt Laurel Township, NJ 08054
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Toms River, NJ
Ocean County Mall
1201 Hooper Ave, Toms River, NJ 08753
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Point Pleasant, NJ
Anytime Fitness
2809 Route 88, Point Pleasant, NJ 08742
Get Directions

 

Terms & Conditions

By participating in this quiz, or screening or health assessment, I recognize and accept all risks associated with it. I understand that the program will only screen for certain risk factors and does not constitute a complete physical exam. For the diagnosis of a medical problem, I must see a physician for a complete medical exam. I release Deborah Heart and Lung Center and any other organization(s) involved in this screening, and their employees and agents, from all liabilities, medical claims or expenses which may arise from my participation. Thank you for investing in your health by participating today.