Roll over each number for a heart-healthy goal!
You can learn a lot about your heart with a few simple numbers. When you know what numbers indicate a strong, healthy heart, you can set goals that reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke. Study the chart below to learn which numbers are important and what goals you need to reach to keep your heart healthy and strong. You can even print the chart and put it on your fridge.
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LDL ("BAD") CHOLESTEROL
(There are different goals for each level of risk for heart disease) |
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People who are at low risk for heart disease:
Less than 160 mg/dL
People at intermediate risk for heart disease:
Less than 130 mg/dL
People at high risk for heart disease including those who have heart disease or diabetes:
Less than 100 mg/dL
People at very high risk for heart disease:
Less than 70 mg/dL |
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Women: 50 mg/dL or higher
Men: 40 mg/dL or higher |
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Women: 35 inches or less
Men: 40 inches or less |
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DIET AND NUTRITION
The amount of food you need depends on your personal calorie needs and health status. If you need 2,000 calories each day you should:
- Eat 6 to 8 daily servings of grain products, with at least half as whole grains.
1 serving = 1 slice bread, 1oz. dry cereal, or ½ cup cooked rice.
- Eat 4 to 5 cups of fruits and vegetables each day, in a variety of colors and types.
- Eat 2 to 3 cups of fat-free or low-fat dairy products each day.
- Eat 3 to 6 oz. (cooked) of lean meats, poultry or seafood per day.
3 oz. of meat or poultry is about the size of a computer mouse; 3 oz. of fish is about the size of a checkbook.
- Limit intake to 2 to 3 servings per day of fats and oils. Use liquid vegetable oils and soft margarines most often to reduce saturated and trans fats.
1 serving = 1 teaspoon of soft margarine or 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise.
- Eat 3 to 5 servings per week of nuts, seeds and legumes.
1 serving = 1/3 cup nuts, 2 tablespoons peanut butter or ½ cup dry beans or peas..
- Limit cholesterol intake to 300 mg per day for people with no heart disease risk factors or to 200 mg per day for those with heart disease risk factors.
- Aim to eat less than 2,300 mg of salt per day. Some people — African Americans, middle-aged and older adults, and people with high blood pressure — need less than 1,500 mg per day.
- Limit sweets and added sugars to 5 or fewer servings per week
1 serving = 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 tablespoon jam, ½ cup sorbet or 1 cup lemonade.
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TOBACCO
Eliminate all tobacco products and exposure to secondhand smoke. |
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ALCOHOL
Women: no more than 1 drink per day.
Men: no more than 2 drinks per day.
1 drink = 5 oz. wine, 1 oz. liquor or 12 oz. beer |
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This content is reviewed regularly. Last updated 04/06/09.
