HEALTH NUMBERS YOU SHOULD KNOW How Your Doctor Helps You Stay Healthy

Your primary care provider, or PCP, is one of your most important health resources. But what does a PCP do?

“A primary care provider is typically a physician trained in internal medicine or family medicine; however, nurse practitioners or physician assistants can also provide primary care,” explained Dr. Georgia McLendon, a primary care provider at Houston Methodist Primary Care Group in Southside Place. “Your PCP should serve as your first point of contact for most health-related issues.”

Your PCP helps you understand your individual health risks. They closely monitor your overall health and can recommend additional testing when it , s needed.

“Above all, we strive to develop a long-term, trusting partnership with our patients,” McLendon said. “Working with your PCP can help you become the best version of yourself, mentally and physically, so that you can continue to live the lif e you love.”

Important Numbers To Know

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women in the U.S. By understanding your health numbers, you can reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease as well as other conditions, such as stroke, diabetes and obesity. Key health numbers include:

■ Blood Pressure: A measurement of the amount of force your heart needs to pump blood throughout your body. Blood pressure is measured by two numbers: systolic (when your heart pumps blood out) and diastolic (when your heart rests between beats).

✓ Healthy target: less than 120/80 mmHg

Risks: High blood pressure can negatively affect the function of your heart and other major organs, such as the kidney and brain. It’s also the leading cause of stroke.

■ Body Mass Index: A measure of your weight divided by your height, squared.

✓ Healthy target: 18.5 to 25 kg/m 2

Risks: The higher your BMI, the greater your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers.

■ Fasting Blood Sugar: A measure of the amount of glucose in your blood after fasting for eight to 12 hours.

✓ Healthy target: below 100 mg/dL

Risks: Also called hyperglycemia, high blood sugar can damage the blood vessels and nerves that control your heart over time. It can also lead to type 2 diabetes.

■ Total Cholesterol: A measurement of cholesterol (a fat-like substance made in the liver and found in foods) in your blood.

✓ Healthy target: less than 200 mg/dL. Talk to your doctor to understand all of your cholesterol (lipid) levels, including LDL, HDL and triglycerides, and what they mean for your heart health.

Risks: Excess cholesterol can build up in the walls of the arteries, leading to narrowing or blockages in your vessels, which increases your risk of heart attack or stroke.