When it comes to protecting your heart and overall health, a few simple numbers can tell a powerful story. Blood pressure and cholesterol levels are two of the most important indicators of cardiovascular health, yet many people do not know their current values or what they mean. Understanding these numbers and keeping them in a healthy range can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious conditions.
What Is Blood Pressure and Why Is It Important?
Blood pressure measures the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps. It is recorded as two numbers:
- Systolic (top number): Pressure when the heart beats
- Diastolic (bottom number): Pressure when the heart rests between beats
Healthy blood pressure is generally considered below 120/80 mmHg.
Consistently high blood pressure (hypertension) forces your heart to work harder than it should. Over time, this added strain can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, vision problems, and heart failure.
Hypertension often has no noticeable symptoms, which is why it is sometimes called the “silent killer.” Regular checks are the only reliable way to know where you stand.
Understanding Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy substance in your blood that your body needs in small amounts to build cells and produce hormones. Problems occur when levels become unbalanced.
There are several key cholesterol numbers:
- LDL (low-density lipoprotein): Often called “bad” cholesterol. High levels can lead to plaque buildup in arteries.
- HDL (high-density lipoprotein): “Good” cholesterol that helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream.
- Triglycerides: A type of fat in the blood that can also contribute to heart disease when elevated.
Over time, high LDL and triglycerides can narrow or block arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Why These Numbers Matter Together
High blood pressure and high cholesterol often occur together, and when they do, the risk to your heart multiplies. Both conditions damage blood vessels in different ways, accelerating the development of cardiovascular disease.
Knowing both numbers gives a more complete picture of your heart health and helps guide lifestyle changes or treatment decisions.
Who Should Be Checking Their Numbers?
Everyone benefits from knowing their blood pressure and cholesterol, but regular screening is especially important if you:
- Have a family history of heart disease
- Are over age 40
- Are overweight or inactive
- Smoke or vape
- Have diabetes or prediabetes
- Eat a diet high in processed or fried foods
Even younger adults can have elevated numbers, which is why early awareness matters.
How Often Should You Get Checked?
- Blood pressure: At least once a year, or more often if elevated
- Cholesterol: Every 4 to 6 years for healthy adults, more frequently if you have risk factors
Your provider may recommend different intervals based on your individual health history.
Simple Ways to Improve Your Numbers
Small, consistent changes can make a big difference:
- Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
- Limit sodium, saturated fat, and added sugars
- Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Manage stress
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol
For some individuals, lifestyle changes alone may not be enough, and medication may be recommended. The goal is to create a plan that works for you.
Knowing your numbers is one of the simplest and most powerful steps you can take toward better health. If you are unsure of your current blood pressure or cholesterol levels, or if it has been a while since your last check, the team at Marque Urgent Care is here to help. We offer convenient evaluations, screenings, and guidance to support your heart health.
Walk in or reserve your spot today and start taking control of your numbers and your future.