Download know thy numbers - Harmony Heart Group

KNOW THY NUMBERS
February is American Heart Association Heart Health Month. The main thrust of this year’s AHA
campaign is to have individuals focus on “knowing their numbers” so that they can participate in
maintaining their heart health.
Despite advances in technology and pharmaceuticals, the prevalence of cardiovascular disease
(CVD) in the United States continues to rise. With current conditions, it is expected to continue
to rise for years. The cost of addressing cardiovascular disease alone (including coronary
disease, hypertension, stroke and congestive heart failure) runs into the hundreds of billions of
dollars annually.
It is important to know that CVD is PREVENTABLE. By participating in one’s own care, one may
prevent CVD. So, people “know thy numbers”.
Number
Number
Number
Number
Number
Number
Number
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Know thy
Know thy
Know thy
Know thy
Know thy
Know thy
Know thy
blood).
blood pressure
LDL (bad cholesterol) level
Triglyceride levels
HDL level
Fasting Glucose level
Waist Circumference/weight
Ejection Fraction (ability of the heart to pump
Know your numbers so you can act upon them.
The Metabolic Syndrome is a group of risk factors that if found in a person may increase the risk
of developing CVD. Abdominal obesity, high triglyceride/low HDL/high LDL, elevated blood
pressure, insulin resistance/glucose intolerance, increased clotting activity of the blood, and
evidence of inflammation(e.g. elevated C-reactive protein) are all components of the Metabolic
Syndrome. The presence of three or more of these entities in a given individual may constitute
the diagnosis of the Metabolic Syndrome.
Know thy waist circumference/weight! A waist circumference of greater than 40 inches in men
and 35 inches in women is part of the Metabolic Syndrome. The fat cells that accumulate in the
waist are not benign. They are living cells that manufacture different types of hormones and
growth factors that may adversely affect one’s health. The higher the weight, as measured by
the Body Mass Index (BMI), the higher the likelihood of Hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus and
CVD. The fat must go! It is not an easy task. There are several published diets that, if
followed, can start the progress. Increasing fruit and vegetable intake and reducing fat and
cholesterol intake is a good start. If you are searching for guidance consult your doctor.
Know thy LDL/HDL and Triglycerides! Lowering the bad cholesterol and raising the good
cholesterol is essential especially if one has other risk factors for CVD. In most cases aim for an
LDL less than 100. Aim for less than 70 if there multiple risks for or documented CVD.
Triglycerides should be lowered as well. Medications and diet are available to address these
problems. While some of the medications possibly have unwanted side effects, the beneficial
effects far outweigh any risks of complications. If you want to take control of your lipid status,
consult your physician.
Know thy glucose! Again, obesity leads to diabetes. Knowing that dangerous sugar
levels are present may move one to lose weight and change dietary habits. Exercise is
also an integral component of controlling sugar and weight. Moderate exercise for 30
minutes a day, at least 5 days a week, is indicated. For more information, consult your
physician.
Know thy blood pressure! A risk factor for CVD, blood pressure could also be the sign of other
potentially life-threatening medical problems. A normal blood pressure is less than 120
millimeters of mercury systolic (top number) and 80 millimeters of mercury diastolic (bottom
number). By reducing weight, eating a reduced-fat diet rich in fruits and vegetables, restricting
salt intake, exercising regularly (30 minutes daily most days of the week) and limiting alcohol
intake one can lower blood pressure. A weight loss of 10 kilograms (22 pounds) may lead to a
5-10 millimeter of mercury reduction of blood pressure. Medical therapy is also available to help
lower the pressure. For more assistance contact your physician.
Know thy Ejection Fraction! Ejection fraction is the percentage of the blood that returns to the
heart from the lungs that gets pumped to the body. It can easily be determined by doing an
ultrasound of the heart (echocardiogram). Normal Ejection Fraction is 50%-60%. Low Ejection
fraction may be caused by active coronary artery disease, long-standing hypertension, viral
infections and valvular disease most commonly. If the function is too poor there is risk of
congestive heart failure and dangerous arrhythmias. Medications or implantation of an AICD
(defibrillator) may be protective. So know thy Ejection Fraction.
It is hoped that people will start taking responsibility for their own health. Together with the
physician, good cardiac health can be maintained. To do this, Know Thy Numbers.