Important Numbers for a Healthy Report
Discover the key health numbers you should know for a healthy medical report, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, BMI, and more. Understand what these numbers mean and how they impact your overall health.
Introduction
Staying healthy is not just about how you feel; it’s also about knowing the numbers that define your well-being. Regular health check-ups and understanding key medical values can help you catch potential issues early and take control of your health.
In this article, we’ll break down the most important numbers you should track in your health reports, why they matter, and how you can maintain them within a healthy range.
Why Are These Numbers Important?
Your body functions based on various vital parameters: blood pressure, sugar levels, cholesterol, and more. When these numbers go out of balance, they can silently harm your health before symptoms even appear. Keeping an eye on these values helps prevent diseases like diabetes, heart problems, and high blood pressure.
Consult a Top General Physician for the best advice
Key Numbers to Monitor in Your Health Report
Monitoring vital health markers is essential for maintaining good health and preventing chronic conditions.
1. Blood Pressure (BP)
Normal Range: 120/80 mmHg
High BP (Hypertension): 140/90 mmHg or higher
Low BP (Hypotension): Below 90/60 mmHg
Why It Matters: High blood pressure can damage your heart, kidneys, and blood vessels over time, increasing the risk of stroke and heart disease. Low blood pressure may cause dizziness or fainting.
Tips to Maintain Healthy BP:
Reduce salt intake.
Exercise regularly (30 minutes daily).
Manage stress with yoga or meditation.
Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol.
2. Blood Sugar Levels
Fasting Blood Sugar (before meals): 70–99 mg/dL
Post-Meal (2 hours after eating): Below 140 mg/dL
HbA1c (3-month average): Below 5.7% (normal), 5.7–6.4% (prediabetes), 6.5%+ (diabetes)
Why It Matters: Uncontrolled blood sugar can lead to diabetes, nerve damage, kidney disease, and vision problems.
Tips to Maintain Healthy Sugar Levels:
Eat fibre-rich foods (vegetables, whole grains).
Avoid sugary drinks and processed foods.
Exercise regularly to improve insulin sensitivity.
Get tested annually if you have a family history of diabetes.
3. Cholesterol Levels
Total Cholesterol: Below 200 mg/dL
LDL ("Bad" Cholesterol): Below 100 mg/dL
HDL ("Good" Cholesterol): Above 60 mg/dL
Triglycerides: Below 150 mg/dL
Why It Matters: High LDL cholesterol can clog arteries, leading to heart disease and stroke. HDL helps remove bad cholesterol from the blood.
Tips to Maintain Healthy Cholesterol:
Eat healthy fats (avocados, nuts, olive oil).
Avoid trans fats (fried foods, packaged snacks).
Exercise to boost HDL levels.
Quit smoking to improve heart health.
4. Body Mass Index (BMI)
Underweight: Below 18.5
Normal Weight: 18.5–24.9
Overweight: 25–29.9
Obese: 30 or higher
Why It Matters: A high BMI increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and joint problems.
Tips to Maintain a Healthy Weight:
Eat balanced meals with protein, fibre, and healthy fats.
Stay active (walking, swimming, cycling).
Avoid crash diets—focus on sustainable changes.
5. Kidney Function (Creatinine & eGFR)
Creatinine: 0.7–1.3 mg/dL (men), 0.6–1.1 mg/dL (women)
eGFR (kidney filtration rate): Above 60 (normal)
Why It Matters: High creatinine or low eGFR may indicate kidney disease.
Tips to Support Kidney Health:
Drink enough water (2–3 liters daily).
Limit high-protein diets if advised by a doctor.
Control blood pressure and diabetes.
6. Liver Function (ALT & AST)
ALT: 7–56 U/L
AST: 10–40 U/L
Why It Matters: Elevated levels may indicate liver damage from alcohol, fatty liver, or infections.
Tips for a Healthy Liver:
Limit alcohol consumption.
Eat antioxidant-rich foods (berries, leafy greens).
Avoid excessive painkillers.
7. Haemoglobin (Hb) Levels
Men: 13.5–17.5 g/dL
Women: 12–15.5 g/dL
Why It Matters: Low haemoglobin can cause anemia (fatigue, weakness). High levels may indicate dehydration or lung disease.
Tips to Maintain Healthy Hemoglobin:
Eat iron-rich foods (spinach, lentils, red meat).
Pair iron with vitamin C (oranges, lemons) for better absorption.
Get tested if you feel unusually tired.
When Should You Get Tested?
Knowing when to undergo health screenings is essential for early detection and prevention.
Annual Check-Up: Even if you feel healthy.
If Symptoms Appear: Fatigue, dizziness, frequent thirst, or unexplained weight changes.
Family History: If diabetes, heart disease, or high BP runs in your family.
Final Thoughts
Your health numbers are like a dashboard for your body; keeping them in check ensures a smoother, longer journey. Regular check-ups, a balanced diet, and an active lifestyle can make all the difference.
Consult a Top General Physician for the best advice
Consult a Top General Physician for the best advice
Dr. Rajib Ghose
General Practitioner
25 Years • MBBS
East Midnapore
VIVEKANANDA SEBA SADAN, East Midnapore
Divyashree K
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
5 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
Apollo Clinic, JP nagar, Bengaluru
Dr. Mary Susan K S
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
13 Years • MBBS, MD INTERNAL MEDICINE
Bengaluru
Apollo Clinic, Sarjapur Road, Bengaluru
Dr. Ashita Kuruvilla
General Practitioner
6 Years • MBBS
Kolkata
KVC CLINIC, Kolkata
Dr. Sujay P R
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
3 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
