American Heart Month: 5 Key Numbers for Optimal Heart Health

Heart problems often develop quietly, long before symptoms appear. The numbers that reveal your cardiovascular risks are usually the ones you can’t feel — which is why checking them regularly matters. 

At Advanced Cardiovascular Care, Inc. in Riverside, California, board-certified cardiologist Syed W. Bokhari, MD, FACC, FSVM, helps patients understand these key measurements and what they mean for long-term heart health.

American Heart Month is a good time to check your numbers to see where your heart health stands and what may need attention.

Five numbers that help explain your cardiovascular risk

Your goals may change based on age, medical history, and medications, but these benchmarks offer a solid starting point to get a picture of how well your heart and blood vessels function:

1. Blood pressure

Blood pressure reflects how forcefully blood moves through your arteries. When it stays high, it strains your heart and damages blood vessels over time. 

Readings under 120/80 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) keep stress on your heart and blood vessels low, which is why many adults should try to stay in that range. 

If your home readings trend higher, keep a log and bring it to your appointment. Small, consistent adjustments can help lower your numbers. Start with steps like:

• Consuming less sodium in packaged foods
• More walking throughout the week
• Weight loss, if recommended
• Consistent sleep routines
• Medication review if you already take blood pressure treatment

These steps support healthier readings, but persistent elevations always warrant a closer look.

2. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol

LDL cholesterol contributes to plaque buildup inside your arteries. As plaque narrows these vessels, your risk of heart attack and stroke increases. Keeping LDL near 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or below helps slow the plaque formation that leads to these outcomes.

If your LDL remains high, we may recommend additional tests or treatment such as:

• A repeat lipid panel
• Medication, such as a statin
• A coronary calcium scan to assess plaque
• Dietary changes that support healthier cholesterol levels

These tools help determine how to bring your levels into a safer range.

3. Hemoglobin A1C

Hemoglobin A1C reflects your average blood sugar over several months. Higher levels damage blood vessels and raise cardiovascular risk. Staying below 5.7% lowers the risk of blood sugar-related damage that affects the heart and circulation.

If your A1C is trending upward, these easy changes can help lower it:

• More fiber at meals
• Fewer sugary drinks
• Strength training during the week
• Short walks after meals

Over time, these habits help improve blood sugar patterns.

4. Exercise

Regular movement supports blood pressure, circulation, blood sugar, and overall conditioning. The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week. Many people find it easier to meet this goal by breaking exercise into smaller sessions.

5. Sodium intake

Sodium affects blood pressure and fluid balance, and most people consume far more than they realize. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends limiting sodium to 2,300 milligrams per day for individuals 14 and older.

Because most sodium comes from packaged and restaurant foods, small changes often have the biggest impact. Modify your daily habits by checking labels on prepackaged foods, buying “no salt added" products when possible, and rinsing your canned beans and vegetables.

When to follow up with a specialist

If you haven’t checked these numbers recently, consider scheduling blood work and a visit with our team. 

At Advanced Cardiovascular Care, Inc., Dr. Bokhari reviews these numbers with patients and helps them create realistic steps to protect long-term heart health. Call the office at 951-682-6900 or schedule an appointment online today to get started.