Content on this page was developed by the Erie County Department of Health's Office of Health Equity for our publication “Do You Know Your Health Numbers.” None of the information on this page should be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your health care provider.
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Printable Versions of "Do You Know Your Health Numbers"
In Erie County, from 2017-2019, there were over 3500 hospital visits related to heart failure and diabetes. Many of these hospital visits could have been prevented through primary health care and lifestyle changes. Take control of your health by learning your health numbers and tracking your health changes over time.
What are your numbers?
Tests for blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar can help you learn about your health. These health numbers can show if you are at risk of health problems. Many health problems connected to high blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar are avoidable. If you check your numbers on a regular basis, you can watch how your health changes. Tracking your health numbers is a great way to prevent and help understand serious health problems. If you see your health numbers increase, you can make an appointment to see a doctor and ask questions about the changes you see. Symptoms like chest pain, difficulty breathing or fatigue may mean that you have developed a health problem. If you experience these symptoms, get medical attention right away.
Check Your Numbers
Places common health tests are available:
Important Signs and Symptoms
Our body communicates health problems through signs and symptoms.
SIGNS are normally visible or can be measured. Your temperature, breathing and heart rate are the most common signs. Blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol are also important signs.
SYMPTOMS are conditions you may feel but others might not see. Common symptoms include pain, nausea, dizziness and fatigue. It is important to remember that everyone is unique. Signs of good health for you may be different from your loved ones. Your overall health may also be impacted by medication, health conditions and family history. Talk to your doctor to learn more about your unique signs and symptoms.
Blood Pressure
The force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. Arteries carry blood from your heart to other parts of your body. Blood pressure is measured by wrapping a cuff around your arm, pumping air into the cuff and listening to your pulse. Too-low or too-high blood pressure can cause health problems. Low blood pressure is called hypotension. High blood pressure is called hypertension.
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that your body needs to build cells and make certain hormones. It is found in your blood and also in foods that are high in fat. A blood test, usually taken from your arm, measures your cholesterol levels. Having too much cholesterol in your blood can lead to a buildup in your arteries, which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in your body. They come from the fats in food and from extra calories your body doesn’t need right away. These extra calories are converted into triglycerides and stored in fat cells for energy later.
Triglyceride levels are measured with a blood test called a lipid panel, which also checks cholesterol. For accurate results, you usually need to fast for 8–12 hours before the test.
High triglyceride levels can raise your risk of heart disease, stroke, and, if very high, pancreatitis. Keeping triglycerides in a healthy range is important for overall heart health.
Blood Sugar
Blood sugar (also called blood glucose) is the main type of sugar found in your blood. It comes from the carbohydrates in the foods you eat and is your body’s primary source of energy. Blood sugar is measured with a small blood sample, usually from a finger prick or a blood draw in a lab.
High blood sugar levels can be a sign of diabetes or poor blood sugar control. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can cause symptoms like dizziness, shakiness, sweating, and anxiety. Severe low blood sugar can lead to confusion or seizures and needs immediate attention.
Hemoglobin A1C Test
The A1C Test is simple blood test that shows your average blood sugar over the past two to three months. It works by measuring the percentage of hemoglobin in your red blood cells that has sugar attached to it. The test can be done using a blood sample from your arm or a finger prick. This test is used to detect prediabetes and diabetes, and to monitor how well your diabetes treatment plan is working over time.
Why not BMI?
Doctors sometimes use BMI to assess health risks, but it has limitations. BMI does not account for muscle mass, bone density, or where fat is stored in the body. This means someone very muscular could have a high BMI but low body fat, while another person with a “normal” BMI might still have unhealthy fat levels.
Common Health Problems: Diabetes and Heart Disease
Diabetes and heart disease are two common serious health problems. Your numbers can show signs of these problems developing. Talk to your doctor to learn more.
Understanding Your Numbers
Blood Pressure
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Low: 60 or less / 61–80
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Normal: 80–89 / 91–120
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Elevated: 121–129 / above 120
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High Stage 1 Hypertension: above 130–139 / above 80–90
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High Stage 2 Hypertension: above 140 / above 90
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Emergency: above 180 / above 120
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is tested after not eating food for 8–10 hours. Cholesterol is shown as three whole numbers with a unit of measure (mg/dL). “HDL” and “LDL” are two different types of cholesterol tested in a cholesterol test, also called a lipid panel.
Note: Some sources will show separate cholesterol levels for men and women. It is important to understand that this difference is related to the level of the hormone estrogen found in your body. Each of us is unique and our estrogen level may not relate to our gender. Your level of estrogen can be impacted by pregnancy, menopause, medication and more. Family history and lifestyle also play a role in your cholesterol. Talk with your doctors about what range is right for you.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are tested after not eating food for 8–10 hours, and are shown as a whole number with a unit of measure (mg/dL) in a cholesterol test, also called a lipid panel.
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Normal: 150 mg/dL or less
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Intermediate: 151–199 mg/dL
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High: 200–499 mg/dL
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Very High: 500 mg/dL or more
Blood Sugar and A1C
For blood sugar, you test after not eating food for 8–10 hours. For A1C, you can eat normally. Blood sugar is shown as a whole number. A1C is shown as a percent. A1C is your average blood sugar over 3 months. Numbers shown here are for people without a diagnosis for diabetes.
Managing Your Health
Keeping track of your numbers is just one part of managing your health. Lifestyle plays an important role in your health, too. Here are some ways you can maintain good health.
Ask for more!
If you want to know more about your health, ask a doctor or visit a bloodwork lab for more tests. Your doctor can order tests based on signs and symptoms you notice. You can test for hormone levels, vitamins and nutrients, infections and more. You know your body best, so tell your doctor if you think something is wrong. Check with your insurance provider to learn what is covered and what your costs may be.