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By Melissa Tennen, HealthAtoZ writer
What are your numbers? Not your cell phone, home or work numbers. Actually, we're talking cholesterol and high blood pressure. Ah, those numbers.
Chances are, if you are like most people, you don't know what they are. In fact, you may not have had your cholesterol and blood pressure checked in a while. These measurements, however, can add to or subtract from a long and healthy life.
High blood pressure and cholesterol can do serious damage to your body if not controlled. You won't have symptoms, but that doesn't mean you are in the clear.
High blood pressure is the force of blood in your arteries. In most cases, the cause is unknown, although risk factors such as smoking and poor diet increase your risk. High blood pressure increases your risk for heart attack, heart failure, stroke and kidney failure.
High cholesterol is equally dangerous, increasing your risk for heart disease. Cholesterol is a waxy substance made by the liver and used by the body to insulate nerves and to make cell membranes and hormones. Other sources are meat, poultry, fish and dairy products. Cholesterol forms thick, hard deposits in the artery walls, causing arteries to thicken and become blocked.
There are plenty of good reasons to know your numbers:
- Motivation. Understanding your numbers helps motivate you to take better care of yourself. Whether they are good or bad, you should know what your numbers are, what they mean and if you need to make any changes. Sometimes your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers may not indicate a need for medication, but they may be high enough to warrant diet and exercise changes. They won't change on their own and they don't have a cure, but they can be managed effectively.
- Times have changed. Doctors have changed their approaches to treating high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Nowadays, they are much more aggressive at tackling high levels, and, depending upon your health, often aim to get your numbers as low as possible. Even if your blood pressure numbers have not changed since you last saw the doctor, it doesn't mean they are at safe levels. Guidelines for treatment have changed in recent years to allow doctors and their patients to help ward off diseases and complications earlier on. Treatment has improved, and many medications can effectively control your condition.
- Your doctor has many patients. For you, you are the most important patient. You need to be your own best advocate. When the nurse scribbles your blood pressure readings in your chart, ask what the numbers are and what they mean. Check with your doctor about a cholesterol test and find out the results and how you need to follow up.
- Same you, different doc. Most people don't stick with the same doctor throughout their lives. You move, you change jobs, your needs change. You may need to see several doctors at once. You have to be the one to keep on top of your health. Keep your numbers in your wallet for your doctor.
Healthy adults should check their cholesterol every five years. Blood pressure should be tested every two years. If you have high blood pressure or cholesterol, your doctor will recommend more frequent checks.
Remember, know your numbers. It's a matter of life and death.
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External Source
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The American Heart Association
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This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
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