Heart Health Made Simple: The Optimal Numbers Every Adult Should Hit
Most doctors are trained to treat heart attacks after they happen — but what if the real power lies in preventing them altogether? A new study confirms what prevention experts have long suspected: if you keep four key health measures in check, your risk of a heart attack can drop to near zero. The secret? Aim for total cholesterol under 200, blood pressure below 120/80, fasting glucose under 100, and never smoke (or if you do, quit ASAP). And here’s the kicker: the sooner you hit these targets, the more protection you lock in for life.
This isn’t just theory. Years ago, our research showed that once you control traditional risks like high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and high triglycerides, inflammation, once thought to be a major culprit, rarely causes heart disease on its own. In other words, we already know how to prevent the vast majority of heart attacks. The challenge isn’t discovering new solutions… it’s putting what we know into action. For someone practicing medicine for decades, PREVENTION should no longer be optional. It should be the rule!
Michael MIller, MD is a preventive cardiologist and author of “Heal Your Heart: The Positive Emotions Prescription to Prevent & Reverse Heart Disease”, published by Penguin Random House.
Michael Miller, MD
MASPC, FACC, FAHA, FNLA
Dr. Miller is a leading cardiologist and heart health expert whose pioneering research on positive emotions, diet, and physical activity supports the integration of all three modalities for optimal vascular health.