Know Your Numbers: Four Health Measurements Everyone Should Understand
Knowing your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and body mass index (BMI) may seem overwhelming at first, but these measurements provide valuable insight into your overall health and your risk for common chronic conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Understanding what these numbers mean allows you to take an active role in your care and have more informed conversations with your healthcare provider.
Let’s take a closer look at what these numbers mean for your health.
Blood Pressure
Blood pressure measures how strongly blood pushes against the walls of your arteries. It is recorded as two numbers:
- Systolic: pressure when the heart beats
- Diastolic: pressure when the heart rests between beats
General reference: Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mmHg.
When blood pressure remains elevated over time, it increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and other serious health problems. Often without noticeable symptoms.
“High blood pressure is often called the ‘silent killer’ because many people don’t feel symptoms until damage has already occurred,” says Isaiah Ho MD, Family Medicine physician at PIH Health. “That’s why knowing your numbers and checking them regularly is so important.”
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fatty substance in the blood that your body needs, but too much of the wrong type can be harmful. A cholesterol panel usually includes:
- LDL (bad cholesterol): can build up in arteries and restrict blood flow
- HDL (good cholesterol): helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream
- Triglycerides: another type of fat linked to heart disease
- LDL (“bad”) cholesterol: below 100 mg/dL
- HDL (“good”) cholesterol: 40+ mg/dL for men, 50+ mg/dL for women
Healthy eating, regular physical activity, and, if recommended by your healthcare provider, medications can help keep cholesterol levels in a healthy range and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Blood Sugar (Glucose and A1C)
Blood sugar, also called glucose, is the body’s main source of energy. When glucose levels stay too high, they can damage blood vessels and organs over time.
Two common measurements include:
- Blood glucose: shows blood sugar at a specific moment
- A1C: reflects average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months
- Fasting blood glucose: 70–99 mg/dL
- A1C: below 5.7%
“Monitoring blood sugar isn’t only for people with diabetes,” Dr. Ho explains. “Early changes can often be improved or even reversed when caught early.”
Keeping blood sugar in a healthy range helps reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease, vision problems, and nerve damage.
Body Mass Index
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a screening tool that uses height and weight to estimate body fat and identify potential health risks related to weight.
General reference: A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered within the healthy range for most adults.
BMI does not tell the whole story. Your provider also considers factors such as muscle mass, lifestyle, family history, and other health measurements such as waist-to-height ratio. It is best used as a starting point for conversations about overall wellness.
Why Knowing Your Numbers Matters
Your healthcare provider looks at many measurements, but these four numbers provide a clear snapshot of your overall health and risk for common chronic conditions. Knowing your numbers can help you:
- Catch potential issues early
- Track changes over time
- Make informed lifestyle choices
- Partner more effectively with your care team
Healthy ranges can vary based on age, medical history, and individual risk factors. Your healthcare provider can help interpret your results and determine what’s right for you.
Take the Next Step
If you don’t know your numbers, or haven’t checked them recently, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider. Preventive care and regular screenings are important tools for protecting your health. Make your next appointment today at PIHHealth.org/Appointments
Isaiah Ho MD
Isaiah Ho MD is a board-certified family medicine doctor who completed a residency at PIH Health Whittier Hospital with a focus on preventative medicine. Dr. Ho was exposed to medicine at a young age with many family members being sick and going in and out of the hospital. He saw first-hand the care and support provided by the hospital staff and was motivated to pursue a career in medicine to help heal and comfort patients. Going through medical school he loved every subject and did not want to limit himself to one particular area, so family medicine was the perfect match. Additionally, he loved teaching and connecting with people on a personal level, so he realized that being in a field where he could teach lifestyle and preventative medicine would allow him to do what he loves. Dr. Ho ran distance track and cross country in high school and is a huge NBA fan. In his personal time he enjoys hiking, visiting Disney parks, watching movies and trying new restaurants.
View Profile
