Women health, there are some numbers you should definitely know.
That’s because these special numbers give you a lot of information about the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes and other health problems, says Suzanne Steinbaum, spokeswoman for the American Heart Association.
“Especially if you’ve gained or lost a lot of weight – or you’re pregnant or going through menopause – it’s important to know these numbers because they are related to health risks,” says Steinbaum.
Here are the numbers:
Blood pressure
“We call high blood pressure a ‘silent killer’ because it doesn’t show any symptoms,” says Paul Whelton, a professor of public health at Tulane University in New Orleans, USA. Only if you have extremely high blood pressure, otherwise you will never know that something is wrong with your health until it’s too late. This number indicates systolic and diastolic pressure, which corresponds to the degree of pressure exerted on the artery during and between heartbeats.
The ideal blood pressure count is 120/80. “However, the lowest is less dangerous than high blood pressure,” says prof. Steinbaum. You should do blood tests more often to see if you are at risk for heart problems. (Here are the foods that naturally lower high blood pressure).
Cholesterol
Like blood pressure, cholesterol levels also contain two numbers – LDL and HDL – although in some cases they coalesce. Steinbaum says the ideal number is below 200. LDL or bad cholesterol levels should be below 100, while HDL or good cholesterol levels should be above 60. In these cases, the risk of heart disease , or any other problem is small. Again, a regular cholesterol check would be a good idea.
TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone)
More than 1 in 10 people, most women, may have thyroid problems in their lifetime, according to the American Thyroid Association. Thyroid symptoms start from lethargy and weight loss to constipation and chronic pain. TSH (the hormone that stimulates hormones) is one of the most reliable thyroid health numbers, experts say. TSH should be between 0.4 and 4.5 (mU / L) (milli-unit per liter). An annual test is a must. If you have unexplained pain, fatigue, digestive problems, weight loss, you should ask your doctor for a TSH test.
Blood sugar levels
A blood sugar test, also referred to as “A1C” – – indicates the glucose levels that circulate in the blood vessels. If you are healthy, the body keeps glucose levels in the system under control. But if this rule breaks, then you are at risk for developing diabetes. Your blood sugar level, or A1C, should be 5.7 or lower. If it is above this level or between 5.7 and 6.4, you should exercise caution as you are at risk of developing diabetes. In this case, you need to make changes to your diet and perform more physical activity. However, even healthy women should have regular blood sugar tests.
Bone mineral density
The test shows bone density, which helps doctors determine the risk of developing osteoporosis or fractures, says Kerry Hildreth, an assistant professor at the University of Colorado, USA. The target is the number between 1 and -1, according to the National Institutes of Health. If the density is higher or lower, they may have low bone mass or osteoporosis. Women over 65 should take this test every year, while younger ones should only do it if they have suffered a fracture or have a family history of bone problems.
Waist circumference
Put a twine around the waist, just below the navel, and measure it. This is the waist circumference, which is a better predictor of health problems than body mass index. If the waist circumference is over 100 cm, you have a higher risk of developing heart disease, diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
Complete blood
Otherwise known as CBC, this test shows the amount of white and red blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin, and some other health data. “He can tell you if you have an infection or anemia,” says Steinbaum.
The most important numbers
The numbers mentioned above are the most important that every woman should know, however there are other numbers you need to know depending on age and other risk factors for the disease.
In general, experts recommend liver function tests (LFT) and a kidney function test while you are approaching menopause. /mommytobe.se
