Keeping track of your heart’s health is essential. Here are some key indicators to watch to ensure your heart is in good shape:
- Resting Heart Rate: A normal resting heart rate ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. Lower rates are often better, indicating efficient heart function.
- Blood Pressure: Ideal blood pressure should be around 120/80 mmHg. Consistently high readings may signal hypertension and warrant medical attention.
- Cholesterol Levels: Maintain a healthy balance: total cholesterol less than 200 mg/dL, LDL (bad) cholesterol under 100 mg/dL, and HDL (good) cholesterol above 60 mg/dL.
- Exercise Tolerance: Good cardiovascular fitness allows you to exercise without excessive fatigue or breathlessness.
- Body Mass Index (BMI): A healthy BMI ranges from 18.5 to 24.9. Higher levels can stress the heart.
Monitoring these indicators regularly can help you keep your heart healthy and prevent potential issues.