There are some important numbers you need to know to be a good advocate for your own health and to take responsibility for your wellbeing. Critical numbers you must know are: total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, blood glucose, blood pressure, and BMI (body mass index).

Total Cholesterol is a fat-like substance in your blood. If there is too much cholesterol in your blood, it can build up in the walls of your arteries. Over time, this build-up narrows your arteries, reducing blood flow and the delivery of oxygen to your heart. If the blood supply to part of your heart is completely cut off by a blockage, the result is a heart attack.

• Target: Less than 200 mg/dL
• Borderline: 200 - 239 mg/dL
• High: 240 mg/dL and above

High blood cholesterol does not cause any symptoms.

HDL Cholesterol is called "good cholesterol" because HDL helps keep cholesterol from building up in your arteries. A high HDL level is considered to be protective against heart disease.

• Target: 60 mg/dL and above
• Low: Less than 40 mg/dL for men Less than 50 mg/dL for women

Low HDL levels do not cause any symptoms.

LDL Cholesterol is called "bad cholesterol" because LDL is the main source of cholesterol buildup and blockage in your arteries.

• Target: Less than 100 mg/dL
• Near Target: 100 - 129 mg/dL
• Borderline: 130 - 159 mg/dL
• High: 160 - 189 mg/dL
• Very High: 190 mg/dL and above

High LDL levels do not cause any symptoms.

Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in your body. Many people who have heart disease or diabetes have high fasting triglyceride levels. A high triglyceride level combined with low HDL cholesterol or high LDL cholesterol can speed up the development of heart disease.

• Target: Less than 150 mg/dL
• Borderline: 150 - 199 mg/dL
• High: 200 - 499 mg/dL
• Very High: 500 mg/dL and above

High triglycerides do not cause any symptoms.

Blood Glucose is a measure of the sugar in your blood. If your blood glucose is too high, you may have diabetes. Symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination, extreme hunger or thirst, unusual weight loss, and blurry vision. Left untreated, diabetes can lead to heart disease, blindness and kidney disease.

• Target: Less than 100 mg/dL
• Impaired (fasting)*: 100 - 125 mg/dL

Blood Pressure is a measure of the amount of force it takes your heart to move blood through your body. High blood pressure or "hypertension" increases your risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.

• Target: Less than 120/80 (read as 120 "over" 80)
• Pre-hypertension: 120-139/80-89
• High: 140/90 and above

BMI (Body Mass Index) is a measure of your weight in relation to your height, factoring in the amount of body fat you have. People with excess body fat are at greater risk for heart disease and diabetes, among other health problems.

• Target: Less than 25
• Overweight: 25 - 29.9
• Obese: 30 and over

Track Your Numbers

The first step to healthy living is to be able to assess your risk. Speak with your health care provider about blood tests, blood pressure, and BMI. This information can be obtained during a routine physical examination. The next step is to determine if any of the results are in the borderline or high risk categories. If so, your health care provider can help you determine steps you can take to address any problems. Keep a written record of your results so that you can easily track changes over time. These simple steps will help you identify problems, take action and reduce your risk for chronic disease.