The Heart Health Numbers Everyone Should Know

Your heart is working right now. It's also sending signals. The trouble is, most Tasmanians won't know what those signals mean until they sit down with a GP—and by then, preventive opportunities may have passed.

Understanding five key numbers can change that. These aren't complicated medical codes; they're the figures your doctor will measure, and they matter more than most of us realise.

Blood pressure: the silent killer's first sign

Your GP will record this as two numbers—systolic over diastolic. Healthy sits around 120/80. Anything regularly above 140/90 puts strain on your arteries. In Tasmania's regional clinics, from Sandy Bay Medical Centre to surgeries in Launceston, this is the first thing checked. It's free, takes 30 seconds, and tells you more than you'd think.

Cholesterol: the number that needs context

Total cholesterol under 200 is ideal, but here's the catch: you need to know the breakdown. LDL (bad) should be under 100; HDL (good) should be above 40 for men, 50 for women. A standard pathology test at any Hobart medical practice costs around $40–60 and requires fasting.

Resting heart rate: your baseline

Count your pulse for 60 seconds, ideally in the morning before moving. Between 60–100 beats per minute is normal. Lower rates often signal better cardiovascular fitness—something you'll notice if you've tackled the kunanyi/Mt Wellington summit trail or joined the Hobart Waterfront parkrun community.

Blood glucose (fasting): the diabetes marker

Under 100 mg/dL is healthy. Between 100–125 suggests prediabetes. Over 125 warrants further investigation. Given Tasmania's ageing population and lifestyle shifts, this number is increasingly important for GP assessments.

BMI and waist circumference: the body composition clue

While BMI has limitations, your doctor uses it alongside waist measurement. For women, under 80cm is healthy; for men, under 94cm. These measurements take seconds and offer insight into metabolic health.

Why check now?

Heart disease doesn't announce itself. By the time symptoms appear, damage has often begun. A preventive check-up—available through most Tasmanian GP practices for around $80–120 with Medicare rebates—can identify risk early.

Schedule your appointment before winter ends. Bring these numbers with you if you've tracked them. Your heart will thank you. For personalised advice, always consult your local GP; they know your medical history best.

This article was compiled by AI from the sources linked above and screened before publishing. See our editorial standards.