There’s a reason they call heart disease a ‘Silent Killer.’ “People can have a risk factor for heart disease and not know it,” says Barry Sidorow, MD, a cardiologist on staff with Adventist Bolingbrook, Adventist Hinsdale and Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospitals. “That’s why it’s important to know your risk before symptoms, like chest pain, appear.”

Know your risk
Although some risk factors can’t be changed, like family history and your age, others can – like smoking. The Surgeon General has called smoking “The leading preventable cause of disease and deaths in the United States” – which includes heart disease. The following are other risk factors that can be controlled:

Blood Pressure
About a third of the adult population has high blood pressure, which measures the force of blood against the artery walls. However, because there are no symptoms, people can have it for years without knowing it. “High blood pressure can damage your heart, blood vessels, kidneys and more,” says Dr. Sidorow. Here’s what your numbers mean:

• Normal blood pressure is lower than 120/80
• Pre-hypertension is 120 to 139/80 to 89
• Hypertension (high blood pressure) is more than 140/90

However, one high reading doesn’t necessarily mean you have high blood pressure. Dr. Sidorow recommends taking several readings and even using an automatic blood pressure cuff at home to get an accurate measurement. “Some people get nervous during doctor visits and that alone can raise blood pressure,” he says.

Cholesterol
Not all cholesterol is bad; in fact, your body needs it to function. Too much, on the other hand, is a risk factor for coronary heart disease and stroke. Aim for the following numbers:

• Total cholesterol should be less than 200 mg/dL
• HDL (“good”) cholesterol of 40 mg/dL or higher, but if it’s greater than 60 mg/dL, it lowers your risk.
• LDL (“bad”) cholesterol less than 100 mg/dL. However, levels should be closer to 70 if you have other major risk factors, such as diabetes, peripheral arterial disease or a history of abdominal aortic aneurysm, stroke or transient ischemic attack.

“No matter what your levels are, only your doctor can decide at what point you should seek treatment,” says Dr. Sidorow.

Waist size
Having a slim waist isn’t just good for your self-image – it’s also important for your heart. Studies show that the more abdominal fat you have, the higher your risk for diabetes and heart disease. Men should strive for a waist size less than 40 inches and women a waist size less than 33 inches. To measure yourself, take a tape measure around your belly button.

If your waist is more than what is recommended, cardiovascular activity is the best way to whittle your middle – not just doing hundreds of crunches. Even losing one inch can start improving other heart health numbers.

Annual physicals can help
When it comes to preventing heart disease, possibly the most important number you can know is your physician’s phone number. “The best way to find out your risk for heart disease is by talking to your primary care physician,” says Dr. Sidorow.

Learn what your risk for heart disease is by registering for our Heart Score screening. This one-on-one appointment includes an EKG test, cholesterol screening, body fat analysis and more. Valued at $375, this screening is only $65. To register, call 866-533-7968.