Heart Health Starts With Knowing Your Numbers
A simple guide for you, your family, and our community
Heart health isn’t just about avoiding a heart attack someday. It’s about having the energy to get through your day, care for your family, show up for work, and enjoy life without constant fatigue, dizziness, or stress about your health. A lot of heart problems are preventable—and it starts with knowing a few key numbers.
At Vibrant, we believe information is power. When you understand your numbers, you can take action early, ask better questions, and make small changes that actually add up.
Why Heart Health Matters (Every Single Day)
Your heart pumps blood to every part of your body. When it’s under strain—because of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or high blood sugar—everything else feels harder. You may not notice symptoms right away, which is why heart issues are often called “silent.” Focusing on heart health helps:
Prevent heart attacks and strokes
Catch problems early, before they become emergencies
Support long-term energy, focus, and quality of life
Protect not only yourself, but also your family and community. Prevention isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being informed.
Know Your Numbers (This Is the Core)
These numbers come from well-established guidelines by trusted organizations like the American Heart Association (AHA), American College of Cardiology (ACC), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and American Diabetes Association (ADA).
1. Blood Pressure (BP): Blood pressure measures how hard your blood pushes against your artery walls. High blood pressure makes your heart work overtime and increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems.
Healthy ranges:
Normal: Less than 120 / less than 80
Elevated: 120–129 / less than 80
High (Stage 1): 130–139 / 80–89
High (Stage 2): 140 or higher / 90 or higher
Learn more: 2025 AHA/ACC High Blood Pressure Guideline
2. Cholesterol: Cholesterol is a type of fat in your blood. Some is necessary, but too much—especially the wrong kind—can clog arteries.
Key cholesterol numbers:
While it depends on personal risk and is individualized clinically (especially for people with diabetes), these general population targets are widely referenced:
Total Cholesterol: <200 mg/dL
LDL (“bad” cholesterol): <100 mg/dL (common target in population health resources)
HDL (“good” cholesterol): ≥40 mg/dL
Triglycerides: <150 mg/dL
Learn more: Public health heart disease prevention resource
3. Blood Glucose: These numbers show how your body handles sugar. High blood sugar damages blood vessels and significantly increases the risk of heart disease—even before diabetes is diagnosed.
Blood Glucose (fasting):
Normal: Less than 100 mg/dL
Prediabetes: 100–125
Diabetes: 126 or higher
Learn more: ADA Standards of Care definitions
Small Changes That Actually Help
You don’t need a total life overhaul. That’s unrealistic. What works is consistency.
Eat more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes when you can
Limit highly processed foods and sugary drinks
Pay attention to portion sizes, but focus on progress, not perfection
Aim for about 150 minutes of moderate movement each week
Remember that walking, dancing, and housework all count as movement
Manage stress in small ways, like taking a few minutes to breathe or pause
Know that ongoing stress can affect blood pressure and blood sugar
Try to get 7–9 hours of sleep when possible
Keep a consistent sleep routine to support heart health
Talk to a Healthcare Provider
If your numbers are high, don’t panic—and don’t ignore them. A healthcare provider can help you understand what your numbers mean, discuss lifestyle changes or medications if needed, and create a plan that fits your culture, schedule, and budget
You can’t take care of what you don’t measure. Knowing your numbers doesn’t mean something is wrong—it means you’re taking control. Heart health is about prevention, awareness, and community care. Book regular checkups, ask questions, and remember: small steps today protect your future self.
NOTE - This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.