According to Harvard doctors, three crucial cardiovascular indicators are blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. These are not merely parameters seen during routine health check-ups but also reveal what is happening inside the body, aiding in early risk detection before symptoms manifest.
Blood pressure reflects pressure on artery walls
Blood pressure is the force of blood against artery walls as the heart contracts and relaxes. It is expressed by two numbers, such as 120/80 mmHg. The first number is systolic blood pressure, indicating the pressure on artery walls when the heart contracts to pump blood throughout the body. The second number is diastolic blood pressure, reflecting the pressure in blood vessels when the heart relaxes between beats.
According to Healthline, a blood pressure of 120/80 mmHg is generally considered normal for healthy adults. However, the ideal level can vary depending on age, medical history, and lifestyle.
Experts state that the concern is not temporary blood pressure spikes, but rather sustained high levels over a prolonged period. Staying up late, chronic stress, high salt intake, and a sedentary lifestyle can all quietly elevate blood pressure without obvious symptoms.
High blood pressure damages arteries and vital organs over time. If left uncontrolled, this condition significantly increases the risk of life-threatening events like heart attack and stroke, and can also lead to chronic kidney disease, heart failure, and vision loss.
High cholesterol increases atherosclerosis risk
Cholesterol is a necessary fat for the body, but excess amounts can harm cardiovascular health. According to Verywell Health, LDL is often referred to as "bad cholesterol", while HDL is "good cholesterol" because it helps remove excess cholesterol from arteries. Additionally, elevated triglycerides—a type of fat in the blood—are also linked to cardiovascular risk.
When "bad cholesterol" LDL levels are high, they can accumulate in artery walls, forming plaque and obstructing blood flow. It is recommended that healthy adults maintain LDL levels below 100 mg/dL. For individuals with high cardiovascular risk or diabetes, doctors may advise a lower level.
A diet rich in fried foods, processed meats, and low in vegetables, coupled with a sedentary lifestyle, are factors that easily increase cholesterol. Conversely, regular exercise, weight loss, and limiting saturated fats can help improve this indicator.
High blood sugar also affects cardiovascular health
Beyond its connection to diabetes, high blood sugar can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. To assess average blood sugar levels over approximately three months, doctors typically use the HbA1c test.
According to Medical News Today and Healthline, an HbA1c level below 5,7% is considered normal; between 5,7% and 6,4% indicates prediabetes, and 6,5% or higher is typically diagnosed as diabetes.
A diet high in sugar, soft drinks, and refined foods, along with prolonged sleep deprivation, can make blood sugar harder to control.
Regular checks of blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar help in the early detection of cardiovascular disease risk. If one of the three indicators is higher than desired, individuals do not need to make drastic changes immediately. Maintaining regular physical activity, getting sufficient sleep, reducing processed foods, quitting smoking, and managing stress can help improve cardiovascular health over time.
Bao Bao (Compiled)
