Chapter 10 – Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke
What’s Your Number?
Lipoprotein Profile
What: A blood test that measures total cholesterol, LDL “bad” cholesterol, HDL “good” cholesterol, and triglycerides (another form of fat in the blood). The test is given after a 9- to 12-hour fast.
Why: To find out if you have any of the following: high blood cholesterol (high total and LDL cholesterol), low HDL cholesterol, or high triglyceride levels. All affect your risk for heart disease.
When: All healthy adults should have a lipoprotein profile done at least once every 5 years. Depending on the results, your doctor may want to repeat the test more frequently.
Blood Pressure
What: A simple, painless test using an inflatable arm cuff.
Why: To find out if you have high blood pressure (also called hyper- tension) or prehypertension. Both are risk factors for heart disease.
When: At least every 2 years, or more often if you have high blood pressure or prehypertension.
| BP Classification | Systolic Blood Pressure (mmHg) |
Diastolic Blood Pressure (mmHg) |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | <120 | <80 |
| Pre-hypertension | 120-139 | 80-89 |
| Stage 1 Hypertension | 140-159 | 90-99 |
| Stage 2 Hypertension | ≥160 | ≥100 |
| Stage 3 Hypertension | ≥180 | ≥110 |
Source: Sixth and Seventh Reports of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (USA).
Fasting Plasma Glucose
What: The preferred test for diagnosing diabetes. After you have fasted overnight, you will be given a blood test the following morning.
Why: To find out if you have diabetes or are likely to develop the disease. Fasting plasma glucose levels of 126 mg/dL or higher in two tests on different days mean that you have diabetes. Levels between 100 and 125 mg/dL mean that you have an increased risk of developing diabetes and may have prediabetes. Diabetes is an important risk factor for heart disease and other medical disorders.
When: At least every 3 years, beginning at age 45. If you have risk factors for diabetes, you should be tested at a younger age and more often.