CHOLESTEROL

Cholesterol is a lipid or blood fat that serves many purposes in the body. It is important to the synthesis of hormones, but too much can result in a sludge that can clog your arteries. It is composed of HDL and LDL or low density particles. A total cholesterol level greater than 200 mg/dl along with an HDL value less than 60 and an LDL reading above 100 increases your risk for heart disease.

WAISTLINE

If your waistline is greater than 30 inches for a woman and 32 inches for a man, you have an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, a cluster of factors composed of obesity, glucose intolerance, high triglycerides and high blood pressure. Insulin resistance results in more fat storage and higher blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, heart attacks and strokes, just to name a few.

RISK OF DIABETES

Glucose intolerance is one of the first signs of early, non-insulin dependent diabetes, called Type 2. If your fasting glucose is greater than 110 mg/dl you are at risk for this disease.

FAMILY HEALTH HISTORY

If you have a family history of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke or obesity you need to consider a low carb diet.

BLOOD PRESSURE

If your systolic ( the top number) is over 120 and your diastolic ( the bottom number ) is over 90 you are at an increased risk for a stroke or heart disease. Again, insulin resistance is a key factor in this condition.

EXERCISE LIFESTYLE