Just Begin at the Beginning
Basic Health Indicators
Heart Rate: The number of heart beats per minute. The heart rate is based on the number of contractions of the lower chambers of the heart. The pulse is a bulge of an artery from the wave of blood coursing through the blood vessel as a result of the heart beat. The pulse is often taken at the wrist to estimate the heart rate.
Body Mass Index: A key index for relating a person’s body weight to their height. The body mass index (BMI) is a person’s weight in kilograms (kg) divided by their height in meters (m) squared.
Metabolic Syndrome Factors
Insulin Resistance: Insulin is an important hormone that has many actions within the body. Most of the actions of insulin are directed at control of sugars and starches, fats, and proteins. Insulin also is important in regulating the cells of the body including their growth. Insulin resistance is a condition in which the cells of the body become resistant to the effects of insulin, i.e., the normal response to a given amount of insulin is reduced. As a result, higher levels of insulin are needed in order for insulin to have its effects.
High Blood Pressure: High blood pressure (hypertension) means high pressure in the arteries. Arteries are vessels that carry blood from the pumping heart to all the tissues and organs of the body. Normal blood pressure is below 120/80; blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89 is called “pre-hypertension”, and a blood pressure of 140/90 or above is considered high.
Cholesterol Abnormalities: Cholesterol is a fatty substance (a lipid) that is an important part of the outer lining of the body’s cells. Cholesterol is also found in the blood circulation of humans. LDL cholesterol is called “bad” cholesterol, because elevated levels of LDL cholesterol are associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease. HDL cholesterol is called the “good cholesterol” because HDL cholesterol particles prevent atherosclerosis by extracting cholesterol from the artery walls and disposing of them through the liver. Thus, high levels of LDL cholesterol and low levels of HDL cholesterol (high LDL/HDL ratios) are risk factors for atherosclerosis, while low levels of LDL cholesterol and high level of HDL cholesterol (low LDL/HDL ratios) are desirable.
LDL cholesterol (mg/dl)
<100 Optimal
100-129 near or above optimal
130-159 Borderline high
160-189 High
> 190 Very high
HDL cholesterol (mg/dl)
<40 Low (undesirable)
>60 High (desirable)
What gets measured, gets managed. Our weight loss journey must start with a baseline measurement of each of these factors. Suggested techniques for simple, inexpensive testing to follow.
· Heart rate
· Height
· Weight
· Blood Pressure
· Blood Lipids
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