Q. What are my “numbers?”
A.  Knowing your numbers is an important part of keeping your heart healthy. These numbers can help you and your doctor determine your risks and mark the progress you’re making toward a healthier heart. Your numbers should include blood pressure, cholesterol, fasting glucose (blood sugar), waist circumference and body mass index (BMI – calculated based on your height and weight).

Q. How do I get my numbers?
A. A quick visit to your doctor’s office for a simple blood test and blood pressure check is the way to get your numbers. You can measure your waist circumference with a measuring tape and your BMI is calculated for you when you take the Go Red Heart CheckUp at www.goredforwomen.org.  

Q. What does a complete blood work test check for?
A.  Complete blood work tests check your complete blood count, thyroid function, glucose, lipids (cholesterol), triglycerides (in association with cholesterol – form the plasma lipids) and a complete metabolic check (potassium, calcium and liver function).

Q. Is there “prep” work needed to take the blood test?
A. Check with your doctor prior to the blood test; you may need to fast.

Q. Are these tests covered by insurance?
A. In most cases, insurance will cover the cost of blood testing — check with your provider.

Q. What should my numbers be?
A. Your numbers should be: less than 200 mg total cholesterol, less than 120/80 mmHg blood pressure, less than 150 mg triglycerides and less than 100 mg fasting glucose.

There are two kinds of cholesterol that you need to know about. Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, is known as the "bad" cholesterol. Too much LDL cholesterol can clog your arteries, increasing your risk of heart attack and stroke. High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, is known as the "good" cholesterol. Your body makes HDL cholesterol for your protection. It carries cholesterol away from your arteries.

LDL cholesterol goals vary. Less than 100 mg/dL is optimal; 100 to 129 mg/dL is near optimal/above optimal; 130 to 159 mg/dL is borderline high; 160 to 189 mg/dL is high, and; 190 mg/dL and above is very high.

HDL (“Good” cholesterol) should be 50 mg or higher.

Q. What should I do with these numbers once I get them from my doctor?
A. Now that you have your numbers, you can take the Go Red Heart Check Up at www.goredforwomen.org for further information on living a heart-healthy lifestyle. You’ll find helpful hints on exercise, diet and nutrition and quitting smoking – valuable tools whether or not your test results reveal elevated cholesterol or blood pressure.

Keep your numbers in check by taking the Go Red Heart CheckUp.
Log onto www.goredforwomen.org and love your heart today!