Cholesterol
This results in fewer people developing and dying from cardiovascular disease. It also lowers the number of people with the condition who have another
heart attack or
stroke, or who die from
heart disease or stroke.
You should have your blood cholesterol and
triglyceride levels checked (through a lipid panel test) at least once every 5 years. If your levels are high, talk to your doctor about what you can do to lower them. You may be able to
lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels by eating better
(see Low Cholesterol Diet) and exercising more
(see Exercise and Cholesterol). Your doctor may prescribe medication as well.
Blood Pressure
About 50 million American adults have
high blood pressure (also known as
hypertension). The top number of a
blood pressure reading, called the systolic pressure, represents the force of blood in the arteries as the heart beats. The bottom number, called the diastolic pressure, is the force of blood in the arteries as the heart relaxes between beats.
A
blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher is considered high. Any readings that are above 120/80 mmHg but below high blood pressure levels are considered to be at the "
prehypertension" level.
People with high blood pressure often have no symptoms, so have your blood pressure checked every one to two years. If you have high blood pressure, your doctor may suggest you make some lifestyle changes, such as eating less salt
(see DASH Diet) and exercising more. Your doctor may also prescribe medicine to help
lower blood pressure.
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