Good health isn’t just about feeling well—it’s about ensuring your body is functioning at its best. Regular health checks help detect potential issues early, allowing for timely intervention. Among the most important tests to monitor are resting heart rate, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and stress levels.
Here’s why these tests matter, what they measure, and what an unhealthy result could indicate:
1. Resting heart rate
What it measures
Resting heart rate refers to the number of times your heart beats per minute (BPM) while you are at rest.
Why it’s important?
Your resting heart rate is an indicator of cardiovascular fitness. A lower resting heart rate generally means your heart is functioning efficiently, pumping more blood with fewer beats.
What your results indicate
High resting heart rate (above 100 BPM): May indicate stress, dehydration, high blood pressure, or underlying heart disease.
Low resting heart rate (below 60 BPM, if not due to fitness): Could be linked to conditions like bradycardia, which may cause dizziness, fatigue, or fainting.
Healthy range:
- Normal: 60-100 BPM
- Athletes: 40-60 BPM
2. Blood pressure
What it measures
Blood pressure measures the force of blood against the artery walls as the heart pumps. It consists of two numbers:
- Systolic pressure (upper number): Pressure when the heart beats.
- Diastolic pressure (lower number): Pressure when the heart is at rest between beats.
Why it’s important?
Maintaining a normal blood pressure helps prevent heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage.
What your results indicate
High blood pressure (hypertension – 130/80 mmHg or higher): Can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure.
Low blood pressure (hypotension – below 90/60 mmHg): May lead to dizziness, fainting, and shock in severe cases.
Healthy range:
Hypertension: 130/80 mmHg or higher
Normal: Less than 120/80 mmHg
Elevated: 120-129/<80 mmHg
3. Body mass index (BMI)
What it measures
BMI is an indication of body size using height and weight. It’s important to remember that it’s not the most reliable measure of whether your weight is in a healthy range to your height as it doesn’t take into account important factors like age, gender and body composition (fat, muscle and bone). BMI is also not an accurate measure in some ethnic groups, pregnant women, people younger than 19 years-old, athletes or people who have a lot of muscle and people with a condition that affects the amount of fluid in their body. The formula for BMI is:
BMI = weight (kg) / height (m)2
Why it’s important?
BMI is used to assess weight categories and potential health risks. A higher BMI may indicate a higher risk of diseases like diabetes and heart conditions.
What your results indicate
Underweight (BMI < 18.5): May suggest an underlying health condition.
Overweight (BMI 25-29.9): Increases risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Obese (BMI ≥ 30): Associated with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and increased risk of chronic diseases.
Healthy range:
- Underweight: Below 18,5
- Normal: 18,5-24,9
- Overweight: 25-29,9
- Obese: 30 and above
4. Stress level
What it measures
While there is no objective way to define “excessive stress”, stress can be measured by looking at certain physiological responses and how your body responds to stress. Stress tests evaluate stress triggers, which are factors that cause stress, and stress response, which measures how you respond to stress triggers on an emotional, biological and cognitive level.
Stress tests measure physical and psychological signs of stress, including adrenalin cortisol levels, heart rate variability, brain waves, and perceived stress scores from questionnaires.
Why it’s important?
Chronic stress can lead to conditions such as hypertension, anxiety, depression, and weakened immune function.
What your results indicate
High stress levels: Linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease, sleep disorders, and mental health issues.
Low stress levels: Generally beneficial, but extreme disengagement or apathy could indicate depression.
Healthy range:
- Moderate, manageable stress is normal.
- Chronic high stress should be addressed with lifestyle changes, relaxation techniques, or medical intervention.
Regularly monitoring these four key health indicators—resting heart rate, blood pressure, BMI, and stress levels—can provide valuable insights into your overall well-being. Multiply’s digital health assessment uses facial scanning technology, available on the Multiply app, to test these vital health indicators, for free
If you notice consistently abnormal results, it is important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the underlying causes and take proactive steps to improve your health.
Your health is in your hands—keep track and stay ahead!
