Adult Physicals

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  Guideline snapshot:

  Blood glucose	Normal range is 65-99 mg/dL
  Blood pressure	Normal is below 120/80
  BMI	Normal is 18.5-24.9
  High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	60 mg/dL and above is ideal when protecting against heart disease
  Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Less than 100 mg/dL is optimal for everyone
  Total cholesterol	Below 200 mg/dL is desirable as below this lowers risk
  Triglycerides	Below 100 mg/dL is ideal; less than 150 is considered "normal"

• Know Your Numbers

  Your heart numbers can tell you how healthy your heart is and what affect your lifestyle choices have on your body. They can also tell you if you are at greater risk for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the U.S.  With the rise in obesity and diabetes in the U.S., more adults and teenagers are living with high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol, all of which put them at greater risk of heart attack, stroke or cardiovascular disease.

  The heart numbers you should be aware of are:

  Blood Glucose Measuring the amount of a type of sugar, or glucose, in your blood can tell you if you are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. High blood sugar can damage your blood vessels which can lead to heart disease. Learn more about glucose and type 2 diabetes.

  Blood Pressure Your blood pressure tells you how hard your heart has to work to pump blood throughout your body. High blood pressure can also damage your blood vessels. High blood pressure is a serious condition affecting about one in three American adults and should be monitored. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms, so it’s essential that it gets measured. See how Aurora can help.

  Cholesterol Your cholesterol levels tell you how much lipid or fat is in your blood. Did you know that there are good (High-density lipoprotein or HDL) and bad (Low-density lipoprotein or LDL) cholesterols? You should also know your total cholesterol and triglycerides numbers. Learn more about Aurora’s groundbreaking work in cholesterol management.

  Body Mass Index (BMI) A standardized method used by health professionals to evaluate weight and body fat. It’s all about achieving and maintaining a healthy shape and weight. To find your BMI, use the Body Mass Index (BMI) calculator.

For people at normal risk, cardiovascular screening tests for blood pressure, cholesterol, and BMI should begin at age 20. Blood glucose tests should begin at age 45. In addition, take these steps to help manage your risk factors and make your heart healthier:

• Eating a healthier diet and reducing your portion sizes
• Getting enough physical activity and sleep
• Reducing the stress in your life
• Not smoking

Get to know your numbers. Ask your primary care doctor how healthy your heart is or find a doctor now.

In addition to regular cardiac screenings, adults can still benefit from new vaccinations and “booster” doses of previously administered vaccinations. See recommended immunization guidelines for older adults.