The 4 Numbers You Need To Know For Heart Health

Every year, more people die of heart disease than any other cause. Frighteningly, your risk of heart disease depends on some factors that are simply out of your control, like your age and your family's health history. But other risk factors, like smoking and your level of physical activity, are well within your grasp—and could in fact make a big difference.

iStock

"About 80% of the time, heart disease is preventable," says cardiologist Suzanne Steinbaum, DO. "Education and awareness are empowering because with that information we can change the outcomes of heart disease."

MORE: 7 Ways Cardiologists Keep Their Own Hearts Healthy

That's why it's very important to know these 4 numbers: your blood pressure, blood sugar, blood cholesterol, and body mass index. Taken together, these stats can help you and your doctor keep track of your personal risk of developing heart disease. To find out where you stand, you'll just need some standard blood work taken at your next appointment. "We have to take a big-picture look at preventing heart disease," Steinbaum says. "That includes family history, how we're eating, how we're moving, and these numbers, which are a reflection of those lifestyle choices."

Here's what you need to know about these 4 vital numbers: