Day 17: Your heart can be speaking through your numbers. Are you listening? | Muluh Favour

As a medical laboratory scientist, one thing I have learned is that prevention becomes much easier when we pay attention to measurable changes in our health.

When it comes to heart health, some important numbers deserve our attention: Blood pressure: Persistent high blood pressure can put extra strain on the heart and blood vessels.

Blood glucose: Fasting blood glucose and HbA1c can provide important information about blood sugar control. Diabetes is a cardiovascular risk factor.

Lipid profile: Tests such as total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholester,ol and triglycerides help assess aspects of lipid-related cardiovascular risk.

But knowing these numbers isn't enough. You need to understand what they mean and discuss abnormal results with a qualified healthcare professional.

And prevention can start at home.

If you can afford it, consider having a reliable, validated blood-pressure monitor at home. For people who need to monitor blood glucose—particularly those living with diabetes or advised to do so by a healthcare professional—a glucometer can also be useful.

These devices should complement, not replace, professional medical care and laboratory testing.

The goal isn't to become your own doctor. The goal is to become more aware of your health, notice changes early, and seek appropriate care when necessary.

Don't wait for your heart to give you a warning before you start paying attention to your numbers.

Know your numbers. Understand your health. Protect your heart. MULUH NGUMFONGWIMEZOH FAVOUR

Laboratory Scientist | Data-Science Student | Health awareness advocate | Peace advocate | SRHR advocate | volunteer at Bold Impact Foundation | Open Dreams Scholar | Member of CAMELS | volunteer at WYLEF #19DaysHearthealthChallenge #Day17#MedicalLaboratoryScience #Healthcare #PreventiveHealth #HealthAwareness #Hearthealth #CardiovascularHealth#OD4Health #OpenDreamsEducationalNGO#Publichealth #Cameroon