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?

“The patient and PCP are health partners,” explained Dr. Alexander Laceras, boardcertified family doctor with Houston Methodist Primary Care Group in Rosenberg. “The PCP can help diagnose health problems, prevent health challenges and understand the best ways to support your health.”

Your PCP performs annual check-ups and is usually the first stop if any illness or health concerns arise. They help you understand and reduce your risk for developing a wide variety of health problems. PCPs monitor your health and can recommend testing or refer you to specialty care when needed. Together, you and your PCP can help you continue to live the life you love.

“ There’s nothing weak about seeing the doctor — it’s the opposite,” Laceras said. “Working with your PCP can help you take charge of your health.”

To keep an eye on your health, your PCP monitors several key numbers to check your risk for developing serious diseases. For a helpful next visit, be prepared to talk with your doctor about these important indicators.

Important Numbers To Know

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

■ 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/m2

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. 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.