Know your numbers: A simple step toward better health

Many of the most common health conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and heart disease, can develop silently, often without noticeable symptoms. That's why one of the most important things you can do for your health is to know your numbers. 

“Knowing your numbers” (e.g., blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, Body Mass Index (BMI), etc.) is one of the most powerful—and actionable—foundations of preventive care and chronic condition management.  

"It is one of the simplest ways to take control of your health," said Darryel Wilson, MD, Piedmont Physicians at Brown Bridge in Covington. "When you understand where you stand, you and your healthcare provider can work together to reduce your risk for serious health problems down the road." 

Numbers you should know 

• Blood pressure – Key indicator of heart health and stroke risk.  
  Aim for a systolic blood pressure (top number) of less than 140 and a diastolic blood pressure (bottom number) of less than 90.  
• Cholesterol (LDL, HDL, Total) – Helps assess risk for heart disease.  
  Aim for an LDL (bad) cholesterol of less than 130.  
• Blood sugar (Glucose/A1C) – Essential for detecting and managing diabetes.  
  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), your blood sugar should be between 80 and 130 mg/dL before a meal and less than 180 mg/dL two hours after a meal.  
• Body mass index (BMI) or weight trends – Signals risk for multiple chronic conditions. 
  Calculate your BMI using the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Calculator. The CDC considers a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 to be a healthy weight, 25 to 29.9 to be overweight, and 30 or higher to be obese.   

Targets may vary depending on your individual risk and health history. Talk to your provider about what your numbers mean.  

Why knowing your numbers matter 

Knowing your numbers helps with early detection, drives preventive action, supports chronic care management, creates accountability and measurable progress, reduces long-term health risks, and strengthens the patient-provider partnership.  

These numbers can help identify potential health concerns early, often before symptoms appear, giving you the opportunity to make lifestyle changes or begin medication when it's most effective. Dr. Wilson suggests the following heart-healthy lifestyle changes: 

• Avoid tobacco products. Do not smoke. Eat a healthy diet with lean proteins, plenty of fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats. 
• Stay physically active. 
• Manage stress. 
• Get 7-9 hours of sleep every day. 

Schedule your wellness visit 

A primary care provider can help you understand what your numbers mean, track changes over time and create a plan to help you stay healthy. Whether it's managing blood pressure, improving cholesterol levels or preventing diabetes, regular checkups provide the information you need to make informed decisions about your health. 

An annual wellness visit and a few simple screenings can help you know your numbers, understand your risks and take steps toward a healthier future. 

Find a primary care provider near you at www.piedmont.org.