Do You Know Your Numbers?

NEW ORLEANS, LA Aug. 31— You know your phone number. You probably know your PIN. You may even know your favorite takeout order by heart.

But do you know your blood pressure?

What about your cholesterol or blood sugar?

Some of the most important information about your health comes down to a few numbers, and knowing them can help you and your healthcare provider spot potential concerns before they become bigger problems.

Start With Your Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is often called a "silent" condition for a reason: it usually does not cause symptoms.

That means feeling perfectly fine does not necessarily mean your blood pressure is where it should be. Regular blood pressure checks can help identify changes early and give you and your provider an opportunity to address them. The CDC recommends having blood pressure checked regularly; how often you need it measured may depend on your health and risk factors.

Know What's Happening With Your Cholesterol

Cholesterol is another number you cannot necessarily feel.

A cholesterol screening measures different types of fats in your blood, including LDL, HDL and triglycerides. High levels of LDL cholesterol can contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

The only way to know whether your cholesterol is high is to have it checked with a blood test.

Don't Forget About Blood Sugar

Blood sugar is another important piece of the picture.

An A1C test measures your average blood sugar over the past two to three months and can be used to identify prediabetes or diabetes. The CDC recommends A1C testing for adults over age 45 and for some younger adults who have additional risk factors.

Your provider can help determine whether you should be tested and how often based on your age, health history and individual risk.

Your Numbers Are Information, Not a Grade

Here's something important to remember: your health numbers aren't a report card.

If one of your results is outside the recommended range, the goal isn't to make you feel like you've done something wrong. It's information your healthcare team can use to better understand what's happening in your body.

Depending on your results, your provider may recommend lifestyle changes, additional testing, medication or simply keeping an eye on the number over time.

The important part is knowing.

Make Preventive Care Part of the Routine

You don't have to wait until you're sick to visit your primary care provider.

Routine visits give you and your provider an opportunity to review your health history, discuss changes you've noticed, check important health measures and decide which screenings may be appropriate for you.

At BCHS, we're here to help you understand your health, not just hand you a set of numbers.

To schedule an appointment, call 504.533.4999 or visit bchsnola.org.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Cholesterol, Diabetes and Heart Disease resources.