­HEART HEALTH

love your heart

About 1 out of every 3 adults has high blood pressure, which increases the risk for heart disease and stroke. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms, so you can have it for years without knowing. All that time, high blood pressure can damage your heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and other parts of your body. That’s why it’s important to get your blood pressure checked often.

Blood pressure is measured as two numbers. The top (systolic) number refers to the pressure when your heart beats. The bottom (diastolic) number refers the pressure when your heart rests between beats.

Knowing your blood pressure numbers is important, even when you’re feeling fine. If your blood pressure is normal, work with your health care team to keep it that way. If your blood pressure is too high, treatment may help prevent damage to your body.

cholesterol: know your numbers

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that your body needs. But when you have too much in your blood, it can build up in your blood vessels and lead to heart disease or stroke. If you’ve never had your cholesterol checked, all you need is a simple blood test.

How to control your cholesterol:

• Eat healthy food
• Keep a healthy weight
• Exercise every week
• Take medicine as directed

Good Cholesterol Levels:

• Total cholesterol = less than 200 mg/dL
• LDL (“bad” cholesterol) = less than 100 mg/dL
• HDL (“good” cholesterol) = more than 60 mg/dL

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

www.ninds.nih.gov

Million Hearts Initiative

www.nhlbi.nih.gov/about/ncep/index.htm

The WISEWOMAN Program