You know your ID number by heart, can rattle off your cell phone digits, and even remember your number plate. But when it comes to the four numbers that provide a clear picture of our heart and overall health, we’re often oblivious to their importance.

According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of South Africa, your blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and body mass index (BMI) numbers could identify potential health risks early on and motivate you to take action before it’s too late.

Number one: blood pressure

A blood pressure test measures the pressure in the arteries as the heart pumps. If blood pressure is too high, the heart must work harder. This could lead to an enlarged or weakened heart, or arteries growing narrower. The result could be a heart attack or stroke.

The Southern African Hypertension Society gives the following guidelines:

 

• Low blood pressure – below 90/60
• Normal blood pressure – between 90/60 and 120/80
• Normal to high blood pressure – between 120/80 and 140/90
• High blood pressure – equal to or more than 140/90
• Very high blood pressure – equal to or more than 180/110

Number two: blood sugar

A healthy blood sugar level is one of the best defences against serious long-term health problems, including diabetes, coronary heart disease, and kidney disease.

Fasting blood sugar levels are classified as follows, according to the Medical Nutritional Institute South Africa:

• 3.8 mmol/L or less – generally too low
• From 3.9 to 5.5 mmol/L – normal fasting glucose levels, ruling out diabetes
• From 5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L – impaired fasting glucose, indicating prediabetes, and future risk of diabetes
• 7.0 mmol/L and above – diabetes

Number three: cholesterol

According to the South African Heart and Stroke Foundation, a healthy person’s cholesterol levels should be:  

• Total cholesterol – under 200 mg/dL
• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol – under 100 mg/dL/li>
• High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol – 60 mg/dL and higher

Total cholesterol levels of 200 to 239 mg/dL are classified as at-risk and above 240 mg/dL as dangerous.

Number four: BMI

Your BMI indicates if you are overweight or obese, which could increase the risk of developing heart disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.

According to Mediclinic South Africa, the scores are:

• Underweight – less than 18.5
• Healthy – between 18.6 and 24.9
• Overweight – between 25 and 29.9
• Obese – over 30

Go for a free health check
You can get up to date with your blood sugar, cholesterol, BMI, and blood pressure numbers in one go at Dis-Chem or Clicks as part of your Medihelp added insured benefits. The results of this free combo test will automatically be uploaded to your health record on Medihelp’s system. You can log in to the Member Zone or the Medihelp app to view your health record on HealthPrint.

Once we’ve uploaded your health test results, you will get an additional R490 on self-medication.

Do your health test today! It’s worth knowing your numbers for long-term health.

Find out more about your health numbers

https://heartfoundation.co.za/cholesterol/
https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/features/high-cholesterol-dangers
https://www.hypertension.org.za/pages/hypertension-information-patient-leaflet
https://www.mediclinic.co.za/en/corporate/mediclinicprime/bmi-calculator.html
https://www.mnilifestyle.co.za/conditions/fasting-blood-glucose/