At a time when it feels like we’re being bombarded with health news from every direction – magazine covers, billboards, even cereal boxes – there is a simple way for you to keep track of your health: Know your numbers. That’s blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose and BMI (body mass index).

McDowell Hospital emphasizes these four numbers as some of the most basic indicators of health. By knowing your numbers, you can gauge your risk for serious health problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes and stroke. Read through the information on this site to learn more about each number and why it’s important to your overall health. Then talk with your doctor about having your blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels checked regularly.

Maintaining good health doesn’t have to be complicated. Eat well, be physically active, avoid unhealthy habits like smoking and excessive drinking – and know your numbers!

Numbers at a Glance
These numbers indicate healthy ranges in the following areas.

Blood Pressure
Less than 120 over 80 mm Hg

Fasting Glucose (Blood Sugar)
Less than 100 mg/dL

Cholesterol
A total level <200 mg/dL, with
LDL (“bad” cholesterol) <130 mg/dL and
HDL (“good” cholesterol) ≥ 40 mg/dL for men
and ≥ 50 mg/dL for women

Body Mass Index (BMI)
18.5 kg/m² and 24.9 kg/m²

Waist Circumference
Women: 35 inches or less
Men: 40 inches or less

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