Go Red for Women San Antonio Texas

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LOVE YOUR HEART
know your numbers

The leading cause of death for women in the United States might surprise you. It’s not breast cancer. Heart disease and stroke take the lives of more women than the next seven causes of death combined and nearly twice as many as all forms of cancer, including breast cancer.

Knowing your numbers is an important part of keeping your heart healthy. These numbers can help you and your doctor determine your risks and mark the progress you’re making toward a healthier heart. Get with your doctor and after you know your numbers, visit goredforwomen.org and take the Heart CheckUp!

factor

Total Cholesterol

LDL (“Bad”) Cholesterol

HDL (“Good”) Cholesterol
Triglycerides
Blood Pressure
Fasting Glucose
Body Mass Index (BMI)
Waist Circumference
Exercise

goal

Less than 200 mg/dL

LDL cholesterol goals vary.

• People who are at low risk for heart disease: <160 mg/dL

• People at intermediate risk for heart disease: <130 mg/dL

• People at high risk for heart disease including those who have heart disease or diabetes: <100 mg/dL (Some high-risk patients will have a goal of <70 mg/dL.)

50 mg/dL or higher
<150 mg/dL
<120/80 mmHg
<100 mg/dL
<25 Kg/m2
<35 inches
Minimum of 30 minutes most days, if not all days of the week

questions to ask your doctor about heart disease and stroke
Women can take charge of their health by making positive lifestyle changes to reduce their risk of heart disease and stroke. Talk to your doctor to find out how you can live a stronger, healthier life. Here are some questions to ask:

CHOLESTEROL
• What is cholesterol and how may it affect my health?

• What is a healthy cholesterol level and how can I reach or maintain a healthy level?

• What is my HDL (“good”) level,
my LDL (“bad”) level and my total cholesterol level?

• What is my trigylceride level?
How often should I have my
cholesterol checked?

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
• What is high blood pressure and
how may it affect my health?

• What is an optimal blood pressure for me?

• What is my blood pressure and how can I reach and maintain a healthy level?

• How often should I have my blood pressure checked?

WEIGHT CONTROL
• What is a Body Mass Index (BMI)
and what range is healthy for me?

• At what weight would I be considered overweight or obese?

• How can I reach or maintain a healthy weight?

• What is a heart healthy way
to eat?

SMOKING
• How does smoking affect my
heart health?

• How can I quit smoking?
• How can I avoid possible weight
gain after I quit smoking?

DIABETES
• What is diabetes and how may it affect my heart health?

• What are the risk factors
for diabetes?

• Diabetes runs in my family.
How can I prevent it?

• I have diabetes. How can
I control it?

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
• How much physical activity
should I engage in?

• What kind of physical activity
should I do?

• What can I do to increase
my physical activity levels?

RISK
• Would you assess my risk for heart disease and stroke based on the risk factors mentioned above?

• What can I do to lower my risk of heart disease and stroke?

FAMILY HISTORY
• How does my family history of heart disease and stroke put me at
increased risk for these diseases?

HEART ATTACK AND STROKE
• How do I know if I am having a heart attack or stroke?

• What should I do if I think I’m
having a heart attack or stroke?