The old saying you can’t judge a book by its cover has some relevance when it comes to health. Many times, one’s health status isn’t easily visible on the surface and requires a deeper dive into data.

The roadmap to preventative care and long-term wellness requires taking action and being on top of things. And it can all begin with a better understanding of the big three: blood pressure, cholesterol, and body mass index (BMI).

BMI: A Good Place to Start

The body mass index (BMI) screening serves as a good first step for providers to use to better understand a patient’s metabolic health. It uses the patient’s height and weight to measure body fat, which helps assess potential risks for conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Although it’s not a perfect calculation of a patient’s health and has its limitations, such as the ability to distinguish between muscle and fat, a BMI screening is a starting point that can be used alongside other health indicators. BMI screenings can be done in a doctor’s office, but in the meantime, you can get a better idea of your BMI by using an online calculator, such as the one offered by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

Blood Pressure: The Silent Killer

High blood pressure is sometimes known as the silent killer, because it doesn’t always present symptoms. Persistently high blood pressure, known as hypertension, puts excess strain on the heart and can cause blood vessel damage. This can lead to strokes, kidney failure, heart attacks, and cognitive decline. That’s why regularly checking your blood pressure, which measures the force of blood against artery walls, remains essential.

According to the American Heart Association, having blood pressure in the normal range requires continuing to practice healthy habits like eating a well-balanced diet and exercising regularly. However, an elevated reading means you should change your lifestyle and take up those healthy practices to avoid reaching hypertension Stage 1.

Those with a high blood pressure reading in the hypertension Stage 1 range require lifestyle changes, as well as the possibility of adding medication based on the risk of heart disease or stroke. The next level, hypertension Stage 2, requires both lifestyle changes and blood pressure medication.

Severe hypertension, which is a higher blood pressure reading without symptoms, calls for a visit with a healthcare provider and the addition of blood pressure medication. A hypertensive emergency means you have a higher blood pressure reading along with symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and difficulty speaking. At this point, you should immediately call 911.

Cholesterol: Managing the Flow

Cholesterol isn’t a taboo term. Blood cholesterol, a waxy, fat-like substance made by the liver, is a key element for healthy bodily functions, including the creation of cells and hormones. The body provides all the cholesterol we need, while additional dietary cholesterol primarily comes from animal-based foods.

There are two types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein (LDL), known as bad cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), known as good cholesterol. If you have too much bad cholesterol or not enough good, it can cause plaque buildup in the inner wall of the arteries. As these arteries narrow, it blocks blood flow to and from the heart and other organs, raising the risk of heart disease and stroke.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between 2017 and 2020, 10% of adults in the United States aged 20 or older had high total cholesterol levels.

Monitoring cholesterol is an important tool for doctors to use to assess a patient’s risk for heart disease. If the levels are high, a physician can help a patient improve and manage their numbers by guiding them toward healthy lifestyle habits, such as dietary changes and exercise. If needed, this can be combined with medication. 

Let YourTown Check Your Key Numbers

YourTown Health’s providers can assess your health with a wellness visit that includes key screenings such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and BMI.

To make an appointment, find a location near you or message us online.