Martin W. Graf

Take a look at recommended guidelines for cholesterol, blood pressure, and body mass index (BMI) and get your numbers checked to see if you’re at risk for health problems. Adopt some healthy habits that will help you keep your cholesterol under control.Counting cholesterolThe National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) issued this data about adult guidelines for total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (the bad stuff), and HDL cholesterol (the good stuff).

Some things that affect your cholesterol you have control over. Put these healthy lifestyle guidelines into use to elevate your HDLs (good cholesterol) and decrease the LDLs (bad cholesterol), along with keeping your heart healthy. Cut back on fatty foods. Lose a few pounds. Exercise every day. Okay, every other day.

The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) issued this data about adult guidelines for total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (the bad stuff), and HDL cholesterol (the good stuff). These cholesterol numbers apply to people ages 20 to 74: Total Cholesterol (mg/dL) Status Excellent 200-239 Borderline high >240 High LDL Cholesterol (mg/dL) Status Excellent 100-129 Pretty good 130-159 Borderline high 160-189 High >190 Very high HDL Cholesterol (mg/dL) Status Low >60 High Source: National Cholesterol Education Program Counting Kids' Cholesterol Counting cholesterol in kids is different than in adults.

BMI (body mass index) is a valuable health predictor. The higher your BMI number, the higher the risk of health problems including coronary heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Body mass index (BMI) is a gender-free measurement that relates height to weight. To get your BMI, use the following equation: Your weight (lbs)/Your height (in)2 × 705 For a person who weighs 138 pounds and stands 5’3” tall, the equation looks like this: BMI = W/H2 × 705 = (138 pounds/63 × 63 inches) × 705 = (138/3969) × 705 = 24.

Having high blood pressure, or hypertension, causes your heart to work harder than normal to pump blood. Get a blood pressure test and look at your numbers to see if you’re at risk for health problems related to high blood pressure. Blood Pressure Category Systolic (1st Number) Diastolic (2nd Number) Normal less than 120* less than 80* Prehypertension 120–139 80–89 High Stage 1 140–159 90–99 Stage 2 160 or higher 100 or higher *All figures measured in mm/Hg (millimeters/mercury).