What’s your number?

We are bombarded by passwords and numbers that allow us access to information and persons of interest. It’s hard to keep track of them all. But there some numbers we should not forget. They provide a snapshot of our health and a warning when something is going awry.

Blood Pressure

• Normal — Less than 120/80
• Pre-hypertension — 120 to 139 / 80 to 89
• Stage 1 hypertension — 140 to 159 / 90 to 99
• Stage 2 hypertension — 160/100 and above

Cholesterol

• Total — Less than 200
• HDL — “Good” Cholesterol, Greater than 40 for men, Greater than 50 for women
• LDL — “Bad” Cholesterol, Less than 100

Triglycerides

• Less than 150

Blood Glucose

• Fasting — Less than 100
• Random (after eating) — Less than 140

Waist Circumference

• Women — under 35 inches
• Men — under 40 inches

Body Mass Index (BMI)

• 18.5 – 24.9