Know Your Five

Cardiothoracic surgeon, author, and television personality, Dr. Mehmet Oz has five numbers that he thinks every American should know. Knowing these numbers, all pertaining to your personal health, is a good way to keep your health in check and stay in tune with your body. Dr. Oz says they are critical to your well-being, and knowing them can help increase longevity. Learn what these numbers are in this video.

The first number Dr. Oz wants you to know is your blood pressure. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is manageable with lifestyle changes and/or medications. Unfortunately, the American Heart Association says that more than 20 percent of people with high blood pressure are unaware they have it.

The FDA called hypertension a “silent killer” because it often does not have symptoms and it can worsen if it is not treated. Hypertension can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, stroke and death, which is why it’s important to know your blood pressure and work on managing it if you have high blood pressure.

To learn the other four numbers Dr. Oz wants you to know, check out this video.