Do You Know Your Numbers and What They Mean for Your Health?

Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, Blood Sugar, and Why They Are Important

Do you know your numbers? It’s important! These measures can affect your heart, brain, kidneys and so much more. Keep reading to learn more.

a person with a blood pressure cuff on their arm while they are reading their numbers health

What is Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your blood vessels. This happens every time your heart beats.

The only way to know if your blood pressure is high is to have it measured. When you get your blood pressure checked, you get two numbers:

  • The first number, called systolic, measures the pressure as your heart beats.
  • The second number, called diastolic, is the pressure when your heart relaxes between beats.

Why Does This Matter?

It is possible to have high blood pressure and not know it. High blood pressure is serious. Anyone can get high blood pressure, even kids, but you might not feel any different. People of any age can have high blood pressure. If you have certain conditions, you may be at a higher risk. Diabetes, excess weight, anxiety, or lack of exercise can increase your risk.

a model of a heart

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy fat-like substance found in your body.

Like blood pressure, your cholesterol level can affect your heart and other organs.

Too much cholesterol can raise your risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Some cholesterol is made by your body. The rest comes from foods you eat, like meat, poultry, and dairy products.

Your care team checks your cholesterol by doing a blood test to look at two important types:

  • LDL (bad cholesterol): High levels of “bad” cholesterol can build up in your blood vessels and cause serious issues.
  • HDL (good cholesterol): High levels of “good” cholesterol can help prevent this and reduce your risk of these problems.

Why Does It Matter?

Too much “bad” cholesterol can be dangerous. But “good” cholesterol helps keep your heart healthy.

a person testing their blood sugar levels with a medical device

What Is Blood Sugar?

Blood sugar, or blood glucose, is the body’s main energy source. It comes from the food you eat.

When you eat, your body breaks down food into glucose, which ends up in your blood. That increase in glucose tells your pancreas to release insulin, which turns it into energy.

Why Does It Matter?

While your body needs glucose to function, too much blood sugar can lead to diabetes.

Diabetes is when your body doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use insulin like it should. High blood sugar can lead to other health problems like eye disease, foot problems, heart disease, and kidney damage.

Related: Ask a Provider About Managing Diabetes at Home

person getting their blood pressure checked at the doctor's office

What Can You Do?

  • The only way to know your numbers is to get tested. This can happen during a visit to your clinic.
  • Talk with your care team to see if you need to check your numbers more often.
    • Blood pressure and blood sugar (glucose) can be checked at home using a cuff or glucometer.
    • Cholesterol can only be checked with a blood test at your clinic.

If your numbers are too high, your provider can help you find ways to reduce your risk. This might include:

  • Eating healthier foods
  • Getting more exercise
  • Reducing your stress

Sometimes, even with your best efforts, your numbers may still be high. That may not be your fault:

  • You might have a family history of high blood pressure, cholesterol, or diabetes.
  • Other things, like where you live, can also make a difference. For example, if it is hard to find healthy, fresh food or a safe place to walk and exercise.

Your care team may ask about these things during your visit. It helps us understand what is going on in your life and how we can better support you.

For example, our Behavioral Health Consultants can help you figure out how to implement healthier choices. A Community Health Navigator can work with you to access resources you may need.

Need help or want to make an appointment? Call (503) 941-3033.

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