So, here is the list in which the AHA defines ideal cardiovascular health:
1) Never smoked or quit more than a year ago.
2) A healthy body mass index (BMI), which estimates your body fat by using weight and height. Calculate it with this online tool: http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/bmicalc.htm
3) Exercise! Really, the more the better. The new numbers say 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous activity is ideal.
4) Blood pressure below 120/80. If you don’t know yours stop by your local drugstore and have it tested…or come by my office and I’ll test it for you.
5) Fasting blood glucose less than 5.55 mmol/l
6) Total cholesterol of less than 5.17 mmol/l
For more information from The American Heart Association’s ‘Life’s Simple 7’ visit the following: http://mylifecheck.heart.org/Multitab.aspx?NavID=3&CultureCode=en-US
And for a little Canadian content here is a simple online calculator to determine your 10 year risk for a cardiac event. http://bodyandhealth.canada.com/health_tools.asp?t=17&text_id=2704&channel_id=151&relation_id=20156
To do this, you need to know your blood pressure as well as your lipid (cholesterol) levels. If you have had them tested recently call your doctor’s office and ask for a copy of your results. I always recommend my patients to maintain their own health records. If you haven’t had your blood tested in the last 2 years there’s no time like the present! Visit your MD or Naturopathic Doctor for a screening physical exam.
I hope this post motivates you to look deeper into your health. Have a great Valentine’s Day!
