Know Your Numbers: The Key to a Healthier Heart This February

February is Heart Month and there’s no better time to check in on the health of your heart. Knowing your key health numbers—like blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar—can make a big difference in preventing heart disease.  

"Heart disease doesn’t always come with warning signs, which is why it’s so important to know your numbers," said Dr. Piyush V. Sovani, a cardiologist with BayCare Medical Group. "Regular check-ups and small lifestyle changes can help prevent serious complications before they start."  

The Numbers That Matter 

Here are the key things to track and the numbers to aim for: 

1. Blood Pressure*: Often called the "silent killer," high blood pressure can lead to serious heart problems like heart attacks and strokes if left unchecked. The American Heart Association recommends keeping your blood pressure within the following ranges:   

• Below 120/80 mmHg – Considered normal.   
• 120-129/<80 mmHg – Elevated; lifestyle changes recommended.  
• 130/80 mmHg or higher – Increased risk; consult a health care provider. 

2. Cholesterol: High cholesterol levels can increase the risk of heart disease. Knowing your cholesterol numbers—LDL (bad) and HDL (good)—can guide dietary and lifestyle choices to maintain a healthy heart. The ideal levels are: 

• Total cholesterol: Below 200 mg/dL 
• LDL (bad) cholesterol: Below 100 mg/dL, or below 70 mg/dL for individuals with coronary artery disease 
• HDL (good) cholesterol: 50+ mg/dL for women, 40+ mg/dL for men 
• Triglycerides: Below 150 mg/dL 

3. Blood Sugar: Diabetes and high blood sugar levels can significantly impact heart health. Monitoring blood sugar levels helps in early detection and management, reducing the risk of cardiovascular complications. The recommended levels are: 

• Below 100 mg/dL – Considered normal. 
• 100-125 mg/dL – Prediabetes; take action to prevent diabetes. 
• 126 mg/dL or higher – Consult a doctor for diabetes management. 

4. Body Mass Index (BMI): Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for heart health, as excess weight puts added strain on your heart and increases the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol issues. Calculating and tracking your BMI can help you understand if you're in a healthy range.  

• Healthy range: 18.5 – 24.9 
• 25 – 29.9: Overweight; consider lifestyle adjustments. 
• 30 or higher: Obese; increased heart disease risk. 

5. Waist Size: Excess belly fat is linked to a higher risk of heart disease, even if BMI is normal. A waist measurement above the healthy range may indicate a greater likelihood of developing heart-related conditions. A healthy range for men is less than 40 inches, and 35 inches for women. 

Why It Matters

 According to the World Health Organization (WHO), heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, yet it is largely preventable. Regular check-ups, a healthy diet, exercise, and stress management all play a role in keeping your heart strong. If you’re not sure where to start, you can adopt simple yet impactful habits to significantly reduce your risk of heart disease.  

"Taking control of your heart health doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Small steps—like knowing your numbers, moving more, and eating well—can lead to big benefits over time," added Dr. Sovani. "A little effort now can add years to your life." 

This February, put your heart first. Take steps toward a longer, healthier future by talking to your doctor about how to monitor your numbers. You can also visit a BayCare HealthHub screening station, located inside Publix pharmacies near you, for a convenient heart health check. 

*There is considerable controversy about blood pressure ranges. You should speak with your physician about what your optimal blood pressure range should be.