The Numbers That Could Save Your Life: Why Knowing Your Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, and Blood Sugar Matters

Knowing your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels is one of the most powerful ways to prevent heart disease before it becomes life-threatening. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death nationwide, but Black Americans face disproportionately higher rates of hypertension, stroke, and other cardiac complications—disparities that are especially pronounced in underserved communities like areas east of the Anacostia River in Washington, D.C., where residents experience elevated rates of heart disease and stroke compounded by reduced access to preventive care and specialty services.

What Are the Three Numbers You Need to Know?

According to cardiologists at Howard University Hospital, the foundation of heart health prevention starts with understanding three critical metrics. "Heart disease and mortality rates in Washington, D.C.'s Black and underserved communities are at an alarming statistic. Addressing these disparities requires early intervention, access to care, and sustained community engagement," said Raymond Young, M.D., cardiologist at Howard University Hospital. "Our mission goes beyond treatment. We are focused on prevention, education, and empowering patients to know their numbers and take control of their heart health in order to live longer, healthier lives."

These three numbers form the foundation of heart disease prevention:

• Blood Pressure: This measures the force of blood pushing against your artery walls. High blood pressure (hypertension) is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, and many people don't realize they have it without regular monitoring.
• Cholesterol: This waxy substance in your blood can build up in arteries and restrict blood flow to your heart. Knowing your total cholesterol and the breakdown of different types helps identify your risk.
• Blood Sugar: Elevated blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels over time and increase your risk of heart disease, even if you haven't been diagnosed with diabetes.

The critical step is asking your healthcare provider what your personal target numbers should be—they vary based on age, existing conditions, and family history—and then checking them regularly.

Why Are Health Disparities Making This Harder for Some Communities?

Longstanding structural inequities, social determinants of health, and delayed diagnoses continue to place underserved communities at increased risk for poor cardiovascular outcomes. In practical terms, this means that residents in certain neighborhoods may face barriers like limited access to clinics, transportation challenges, or lack of culturally responsive care—all of which delay early detection and prevention.

Howard University Hospital and the Faculty Practice Plan are addressing these gaps through a community-centered approach. Rather than waiting for patients to come to them, they're bringing preventive care directly into neighborhoods. The hospital hosted Healthy Heart Day in February 2026 and scheduled additional Heart Health Fairs and cardiology community outreach screenings to remove barriers and meet people where they are.

What Else Can You Do Beyond Knowing Your Numbers?

While regular health screenings are essential, Howard University cardiologists emphasize that prevention extends into daily lifestyle choices. The hospital recommends a comprehensive approach to heart health:

• Daily Movement: You don't need a gym membership. Walking, dancing, stretching, or taking the stairs for just 30 minutes a day can strengthen your heart.
• Heart-Smart Eating: Choose more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting salt, sugar, and fried foods when possible.
• Stress Management: Chronic stress can harm your heart. Try deep breathing, prayer, meditation, or taking time to rest and reset.
• Sleep Quality: Aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night, as poor sleep is linked to high blood pressure and heart disease.
• Smoking and Alcohol: Smoking damages blood vessels and raises heart disease risk significantly. Reducing or quitting can dramatically improve your heart health.
• Medication Adherence: If you've been prescribed heart or blood pressure medication, take it as directed and talk to your provider before stopping.
• Recognizing Warning Signs: Chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, or pain in the jaw or arm—especially in women—should never be ignored.

The message from Howard University cardiologists is clear: prevention saves lives. Seeing your doctor regularly helps catch heart issues early, when they're most treatable. For many people in underserved communities, this means taking advantage of community health events and screenings that remove barriers to access. When preventive care comes into the community, it changes outcomes—and ultimately, it changes lives.