4 health indicators to monitor to control cardiovascular disease

Cholesterol

Theo Times of India, High bad cholesterol (LDL-C) can lead to plaque buildup in artery walls, causing blood vessels to narrow or become clogged, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. On the contrary, good cholesterol (HDL-C) helps transport excess cholesterol to the liver for elimination, contributing to protecting heart health.

Many people have high cholesterol but have no symptoms. Therefore, periodic blood lipid testing is an important way to assess the risk of cardiovascular disease and take appropriate preventive measures.

In most adults, ideal LDL-C levels are less than 100 mg/dL, while HDL-C levels of 60 mg/dL or higher are considered heart-healthy.

Blood sugar

Each person should monitor blood sugar regularly to detect blood sugar disorders and diabetes early. This is also one of the factors that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attack.

When blood sugar levels are persistently high, excess glucose in the blood can damage blood vessels and nerves over time. At the same time, this condition also promotes the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, affecting the normal functioning of the cardiovascular system.

In healthy people, fasting blood sugar usually ranges around 3.9-5.5 mmol/L and 2 hours after meals is usually below 7.8 mmol/L.

Blood pressure

Blood pressure is the force of blood against the artery walls when the heart pumps blood. When blood pressure remains high for a long time, blood vessels can be damaged, forcing the heart to work harder, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Normal and ideal blood pressure levels in adults are usually defined as less than 120/80 mmHg.

Low blood pressure (below 90/60 mmHg) can reduce blood flow and oxygen to the brain and vital organs. Patients may experience symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, and can easily cause injury. Some severe or prolonged cases can affect the function of the heart and kidneys, according to WebMD.

Heart rate at rest

Resting heart rate (RHR) reflects the heart’s activity level when the body is at rest. Persistent high heart rate can be related to stress, poor physical condition, unhealthy lifestyle or certain cardiovascular problems. Factors such as smoking, physical inactivity and poor nutrition can also affect this index. In adults, resting heart rate usually fluctuates around 60-100 beats/minute.

To help maintain a stable heart rate, you should build a healthy lifestyle such as exercising regularly for about 30 minutes a day, getting enough sleep, controlling stress and limiting the use of stimulants such as alcohol, beer and cigarettes.