Heart health is talked about a lot these days, but in case you haven't read anything lately, I have some information to share with you. Specifically, I'd like to review high blood pressure, cholesterol, and arrythmias.

So what's the big deal about blood pressure? Well, believe it or not, recent estimates show that 1 in 4 adults in the United States have elevated blood pressure, but are not aware of it due to lack of symptoms. So often people say to me, "I always had low blood pressure - how can it be high now?" The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to have it checked. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to heart attack, stroke, heart or kidney failure. Because there are no symptoms, high blood pressure is often referred to as the "silent killer." If you must take medication, stay on it even when your blood pressure stabilizes, or it may go back up, putting you at risk again.

Elevated cholesterol levels are directly related to heart disease and specifically heart attack. Here is a table of cholesterol levels and what they mean. (Cut it out and post it on your refrigerator if you have a hard time remembering them.)

Total Cholesterol
• < 200 mg/dL lower risk for heart disease
• 200 - 239 mg/dL borderline high
• 240 or > mg/dL high - more than twice the risk of heart disease as someone whose level is <200

HDL (high density lipoprotein) "good" cholesterol - the higher the level, the better
• < 40 mg/dL major risk factor for heart disease
• 40 - 59 mg/dL better
• 60 or > mg/dL considered protective against heart disease

LDL (low density lipoprotein) "bad" cholesterol - the lower, the better
• <100 mg/dL optimal
• 100 - 129 mg/dL near or above optimal
• 130 - 159 mg/dL borderline high
• 160 - 189 mg/dL high
• 190 or > mg/dL very high

Luckily, there are several medications which can lower your cholesterol and your doctor will prescribe one if it's necessary. Lifestyle changes can also be quite helpful in lowering cholesterol levels. Eating a low-fat, low sodium diet, exercise, and reducing stress are some things you can start doing to help yourself.

Arrythmias are irregularities of the heartbeat and are quite common. While some arrythmias are of no harm, some have the potential to cause heart disease, stroke or sudden cardiac death. As many as 2 million Americans live with atrial fibrillation (one type of arrythmia.) There are medications which can help to control the irregularities or prevent untoward consequences from them. If you notice you have a feeling of flutter in your chest or that your pulse is not in rhythm, contact your physician for a thorough check-up.