Know Your Numbers to Decode Your Risk for Heart Disease

The heart functions as a communications hub that connects major parts of the body. It is the body's transportation network: It delivers oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, and it removes waste products. The health and functionality of your heart has major implications for your overall health.

- by DR. ALISON YOUNG-TAN

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Florida, the United States, and worldwide. It's the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. In 2024, heart disease was the second-leading cause of death in Polk County, closely behind cancer.

Heart disease encompasses several heart conditions, such as coronary artery disease (CAD), heart failure, and arrhythmia. The most common type of heart disease in the United States is CAD. CAD affects blood flow to the heart, and when the blood flow decreases, it can lead to a heart attack.

The best way to avoid heart disease is through prevention. That means addressing the conditions that contribute to heart disease. Common lifestyle risk factors that contribute to heart disease include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity.

So how can you monitor whether your risk factors are contributing to heart disease? You can begin by knowing your numbers and what they mean for your health. By keeping track of your numbers even in between your annual health care visits, you will have better control over your health. The crucial numbers to know are your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, Body Mass Index (BMI), and waist circumference.

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