Your blood pressure and serum cholesterol level remain the most common screening tools for evaluating your risk for cardiac disease. The following is a list of general ranges.
Total Cholesterol: Less than 200mg/dl = ideal
Above 200 – 239 = borderline high
Over 240 = high
LDL (bad) cholesterol: Below 100mg/dl = Optimal
100 – 129 = above optimal
130 – 159 = borderline high
Over 160 = high
HDL (good) cholesterol: Less than 50mg/dl for women = Low (a major heart disease risk)
Less than 40mg/dl for men = Low
Above 60 = ideal
Triglycerides: Less than 150 = normal
150 – 199 = borderline
Greater than 200 = high risk
Blood Pressure: Less than 120/80 mm Hg = Normal
120/80 – 139/89 = pre-hypertension with twice the risk of developing
hypertension
140/90 or above = hypertension (stage 1), over 160/100 (stage 2)
Exercise can help decrease our blood pressure, cholesterol levels and triglycerides. It also helps raise the “good” cholesterol. Come visit Chatham Health & Swim Club for more information on how to protect your heart and be healthy! We are now offering a Heart Healthy Program for both members and non-members for prevention and/or recovery from heart disease or stroke.
