10 Health Markers Everyone Should Pay Attention To

When it comes to assessing our health, we often look to weight as the primary indicator of wellness. And while maintaining a healthy weight is undeniably important, it’s important to remember that it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Beyond weight, there are many other health markers to consider, all of which provide crucial insights into your overall well-being. From blood pressure and cholesterol levels to vitamin D status and resting heart rate, these markers give a more complete picture of your health. Focusing on these metrics can help you better understand your body, detect potential health issues early, support long-term wellness, and, when necessary, take proactive steps to improve your overall quality of life.

Ahead, the top ten important health markers everyone should pay attention to!

The 10 Most Important Health Metrics To Keep On Your Radar

#1 Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is often referred to as a “silent killer” because it typically shows no symptoms but significantly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. According to the American Heart Association, healthy adults should aim for a blood pressure reading of less than 120/80 mm Hg. Regular monitoring of this health metric, especially as you age, can help detect issues early and reduce risks through lifestyle changes such as improving diet and increasing physical activity.

#2 Cholesterol Levels

Cholesterol is another important health metric to keep on your radar, especially when it comes to supporting heart health. Cholesterol is a fatty substance that circulates in your blood, and while your body needs it to build cells and produce hormones, too much can lead to serious problems. That said, not all cholesterol is created equal. So, it’s important to distinguish between the two key types: LDL (“bad” cholesterol) and HDL (“good” cholesterol).

LDL (low-density lipoprotein), or “bad” cholesterol, can cause plaque buildup in your arteries and increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. HDL (high-density lipoprotein), or “good” cholesterol, on the other hand, helps clear excess cholesterol from your bloodstream and can actually have a protective effect against heart disease.

Aim for total cholesterol levels under 200 mg/dL, and pay attention to your LDL and HDL levels as well. Maintaining HDL levels of at least 60 mg/dL and LDL levels of less than 100 mg/dL is ideal. In addition to regular cholesterol checks, maintaining a healthy lifestyle — such as a balanced diet and regular exercise — is crucial for preventing plaque buildup in arteries, which can lead to serious cardiovascular issues.

#3 A1C (Blood Glucose)

A1C, also known as hemoglobin A1C or HbA1c, is a key marker for assessing blood glucose (sugar) levels over a period of time, offering a more complete picture of how well your body is managing blood sugar compared to an isolated glucose reading. Unlike a standard blood sugar test, which provides a snapshot, the A1C test measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. This test is particularly important for diagnosing and managing diabetes, where an elevated A1C level can indicate insulin resistance or prediabetes, both of which significantly increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. An A1C level below 5.7% is considered normal, while higher levels warrant closer attention.

Regular monitoring, especially if you’re at risk for diabetes, can help guide your dietary choices and exercise routine to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. This is essential not only for preventing diabetes, but also for reducing the risk of heart disease and other metabolic issues.

#4 Resting Heart Rate

Resting heart rate (RHR) is a simple yet powerful indicator of your cardiovascular fitness and overall health. It measures the number of times your heart beats per minute when you’re at rest, with a typical range being 60-100 beats per minute. A lower resting heart rate often signifies stronger, more efficient heart function and better cardiovascular fitness, where athletes and individuals in optimal physical condition may have a resting heart rate closer to 40 bpm.

A consistently high resting heart rate, on the other hand, can be a sign of chronic stress, poor fitness levels, or underlying health conditions such as heart disease. In fact, a higher resting heart rate is associated with increased risks of cardiovascular events and mortality.

#5 Heart Rate Variability (HRV)

Heart rate variability (HRV) is an emerging marker for assessing your body’s autonomic nervous system function, which has implications for both your physical and emotional health. It measures the variation in time between each heartbeat, reflecting the balance between your sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. A higher HRV generally indicates better cardiovascular fitness, greater resilience to stress, and efficient recovery, while a lower HRV can be a sign of chronic stress, fatigue, or an increased risk of cardiovascular issues.

This health metric is often used by athletes to gauge recovery and optimize training, but it’s also gaining traction in the general wellness world as a key marker for stress resilience and overall health. The good news is that thanks to new wellness technology, tracking your HRV is extremely accessible through wearables or fitness devices. Providing a unique glimpse into your nervous system’s health, this health marker can allow you to better understand how well your body is coping with stress, helping you make informed decisions about rest, recovery, and lifestyle changes.

#6 Vitamin D Status

Vitamin D is essential for bone health, immune function, and mood regulation, making it a critical health marker to monitor. Low vitamin D levels have been linked to weakened immunity, increased risk of infections, osteoporosis, and even mood disorders like depression. With modern and sedentary lifestyles leading to reduced sun exposure (due to busy schedules and more time spent inside), vitamin D deficiency has become a widespread concern, especially during the winter months.

Regularly checking your vitamin D status through a blood test can help ensure you’re maintaining adequate levels for optimal health. If low, increasing sun exposure, eating vitamin D-rich foods, or supplementing when needed, can help boost your levels and reduce the risk of deficiencies for overall health.

#7 Inflammation Markers (C-Reactive Protein)

C-reactive protein (CRP) is one of the most important markers for inflammation in the body, and elevated levels are often a sign of chronic inflammation, which can contribute to a range of health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune conditions.

As more research reveals the detrimental effects of chronic inflammation, CRP has gained attention as a key marker to track. Keeping inflammation in check through diet, stress management, and regular exercise is crucial for long-term health.

#8 Microbiome Health

The health of your gut microbiome — the community of trillions of bacteria in your digestive system — has profound effects on digestion, immunity, mental health, and even skin health and metabolic function. With more and more research coming to light, there’s a huge focus on the connection between gut health and overall health. An imbalance in your gut microbiome can contribute to conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), obesity, and even anxiety and depression. Thus, keeping your microbiome healthy through a fiber-rich diet, fermented and gut-healthy foods, and probiotics is key to supporting digestion and overall health.

While comprehensive stool tests are available for extensive testing, paying attention to digestive health and bowel movements can provide insights into how well your gut is functioning.

#9 Homocysteine Levels

Homocysteine is an amino acid produced in the body, and elevated levels in the blood can be a significant marker of cardiovascular risk. Based on research, high homocysteine levels have been associated with an increased likelihood of heart disease, stroke, and cognitive decline, making this an important health metric to monitor. Homocysteine levels can also indicate deficiencies in essential B vitamins like B6, B12, and folate, which help regulate levels and mitigate risk factors.

Regular testing and maintaining a balanced diet rich in these vitamins can help lower homocysteine levels and reduce the risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions.

#10 Menstrual Health

For women, menstrual health is a vital, yet often overlooked marker of overall well-being. Regular cycles can indicate hormonal balance, while irregular or painful periods may signal health issues, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid dysfunction, or nutritional deficiencies. Tracking menstrual cycles, including flow, duration, and associated symptoms, offers important insights into reproductive health and hormonal status. As conversations around women’s health become more prominent in wellness circles, menstrual health is recognized as a crucial indicator of broader health concerns.

The Takeaway

Paying attention to these important health markers can provide a clearer picture of your health — far beyond weight. Regular monitoring and working with a medical doctor or healthcare provider to maintain healthy levels can help prevent serious conditions and enhance your quality of life. The bottom line is that by staying proactive and informed about these markers (even if you’re in great health), you can take your health into your own hands and set yourself up for long-term wellness.