9 Health Indicators You Should Monitor Regularly

9 Health Indicators You Should Monitor Regularly

Keeping track of certain health markers can help prevent serious health issues and even save lives. By monitoring these indicators regularly, you can spot potential problems early and take steps to address them.

Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is a crucial indicator of heart health. Normal levels are considered 120/80 mm Hg. If your upper (systolic) number is between 121 and 129, it's considered elevated and may lead to hypertension, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and atherosclerosis. Low blood pressure, under 90/60, can cause dizziness, fainting, and in extreme cases, shock. Since changes in blood pressure often go unnoticed, it's important to check it regularly—at least every two years for those under 40 and annually for those older. If your blood pressure rises to 180/120 mm Hg or higher with chest pain, shortness of breath, or other symptoms, seek emergency care.

Cholesterol Levels

Cholesterol is necessary for body function, but too much "bad" cholesterol (LDL) can build up in your arteries, leading to atherosclerosis. Regular testing can help detect issues before they cause symptoms. You should get a cholesterol test every 5 years between ages 9 and 11, every 1–2 years for adults over 45, and annually after 65. Healthy LDL levels should be under 100 mg/dL, and HDL (the "good" cholesterol) should be 40 mg/dL or higher.

Triglyceride Levels

Triglycerides are another type of fat in the blood that can increase the risk of heart disease. Healthy levels should be under 150 mg/dL for adults. If you have diabetes or heart disease in your family, it's important to check triglycerides more frequently. Most adults should have them checked every 5 years.

Thyroid Hormone Levels

The thyroid regulates metabolism and energy use. Abnormal hormone levels can cause symptoms like weight loss, fatigue, or changes in heart rate. A thyroid test can check for these imbalances. Normal levels include TSH between 0.5–5.0 mIU/L, T4 between 5.0–12.0 mcg/dL, and T3 between 80–220 ng/dL. If you experience symptoms like fatigue, irritability, or changes in skin and hair, see a doctor for testing.

Iron Levels

Iron is crucial for carrying oxygen in your blood and maintaining overall health. A deficiency can lead to fatigue, dizziness, or pale skin. Regular iron testing, which checks levels of serum iron, ferritin, and transferrin, is advised if you feel unusual fatigue or other related symptoms. Normal iron levels are 10.7–32.2 µmol/L for serum iron, and ferritin should be between 11.0–306.8 ng/ml.

Heart Rate

Your heart rate can reveal a lot about your heart health. A normal resting heart rate is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. A higher heart rate can signal problems like tachycardia or arrhythmia, leading to conditions like heart failure or stroke. If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness, it's important to seek medical attention.

Mole Monitoring

Moles can sometimes turn into skin cancer, so it's important to keep an eye on them. Check your skin regularly using the ABCDE method:

  • A (Asymmetry): Uneven halves.
  • B (Border): Jagged or blurred edges.
  • C (Color): Multiple colors or irregular shading.
  • D (Diameter): Larger than 6mm.
  • E (Evolution): Changes in size, shape, or color.

Also, see a dermatologist if you notice a mole that itches, bleeds, or doesn't heal.

Regularly monitoring these health indicators can help you stay ahead of potential problems. Early detection is often the key to preventing more serious health conditions down the line.