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Life can change in a heartbeatHeart disease is the number one killer of men, women and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the United States. But little changes can make big improvements in your heart health so you can live the healthiest life possible. Intermountain Health is here to help you on your journey. 
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Know Your Numbers and RisksYour risk of heart disease is based partly on genetics (or family history), but also on lifestyle. The most important thing you can do to get ahead of heart disease is to know what your numbers are, and the risk factors you have so you and your primary care provider can make a plan together. Risk factors include:
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Know (and Understand) Your NumbersBlood PressureHigh blood pressure, known as hypertension, is an indication that the pressure inside your vessels is too strong. Left untreated, it becomes a significant contributing factor to heart attacks and stroke. A normal blood pressure is 120/80. If your blood pressure is consistently higher than 130/80, you want to talk to your primary care provider about what you can do to reduce your blood pressure to a normal level. CholesterolCholesterol is a waxy substance produced by the liver, but it’s also in foods like meat, poultry and dairy products. Too much cholesterol in your vessels can cause blockages that reduce the body’s ability to circulate the blood throughout the body. A normal LDL cholesterol level is below 100. Your primary care provider can order a blood test to obtain your cholesterol level so together, you can both make a plan to address levels above 100. Body WeightEveryone’s ‘ideal’ body weight varies by age, gender, height, frame and ethnic background. Your Body Mass Index (or BMI) is used to evaluate your BMI. The ideal BMI is between 18.6 and 24.9. You can calculate your BMI online and follow up with your primary care provider if your score is outside of the ideal BMI.
Blood SugarKnowing the amount of sugar, or glucose, in the blood is critical to knowing your risk of diabetes. The ideal glucose level is under 100 (or under 5.7%). Your primary care provider can order this test with routine blood work. If your levels are above the ideal range, talk with your primary care provider to make a plan together on how to lower your glucose levels. |
Make an Annual Wellness Appointment TodayIt’s important to connect with your primary care provider annually to talk about your overall health. You can schedule online through MyChart or call your primary care provider’s office near you. |
Award-winning Heart Care for YouIntermountain Health brings together the region’s top heart and vascular experts who deliver high quality care with exceptional outcomes. With more than 65 heart and vascular clinics located throughout Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Idaho and Montana, we have one of the most extensive heart and vascular care networks in the regions we serve. Intermountain Health is also nationally recognized for research and innovations in heart care that improve the outcomes for patients across the country. 
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