A leading cardiologist is emphasizing the importance of being aware of key health indicators, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and HbA1c levels. Dr. Nabila Laskar, a consultant cardiologist known for her educational social media content, has been sharing valuable health insights with her extensive online following.

In one of her recent videos titled “Five Heart Tips I’m Walking into 2026 With,” Dr. Nabila highlights the significance of understanding these vital numbers. She explains, “Blood pressure, cholesterol, HbA1c—if you don’t measure it, you can’t manage it,” underscoring the necessity of tracking these metrics for effective health management.

The National Health Service (NHS) supports this advice, noting that controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels can significantly lower the risk of coronary heart disease. Meanwhile, HbA1c is a critical measure of average blood glucose levels, particularly important for individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Persistent high blood sugar can lead to severe health complications if not addressed promptly, according to NHS guidelines. For those uncertain about their blood pressure, cholesterol, or HbA1c levels, tests can often be arranged through GP surgeries or select pharmacies.

Monitoring these health indicators is crucial for individuals with heart conditions, as it can prevent further cardiovascular issues. Regular tracking not only aids in maintaining overall health but also reduces the risk of severe events like heart attacks, strokes, or heart failure.

While these health challenges may not always present noticeable symptoms, they can signal significant problems, such as arterial plaque buildup or increased cardiac stress. By staying informed about these numbers, individuals can make informed lifestyle adjustments or modify their medical treatment to maintain optimal health.

Dr Nabila also said she would prioritise daily movement, saying: “10–20 minutes of intentional movement a day is more protective than most people realise.” The expert added that she would ‘protect’ sleep ‘like medicine’, and she recommended getting seven to nine hours.

As per Dr Nabila’s guidance, this step could be especially important for people with high blood pressure. The doctor explained: “Poor sleep drives high BP, weight gain, inflammation silently.”

Continuing her post, Dr Nabila said: “Stress is a cardiovascular risk factor. Treat it like one. Build micro-stress-relief into your day (breathing, boundaries, breaks).”

Lastly, the doctor discussed the importance of a balanced diet. She wrote: “Eat for Your Future Heart, Not Your Current Cravings. More plants, fibre, omega-3s. Less ultra-processed food. Your arteries will thank you.”

More information about healthy eating is available on the British Heart Foundation website. The advice states: “Healthy eating isn’t about cutting out or focusing on individual foods or nutrients. It’s thinking about your whole diet and eating a variety of foods in the right amounts to give your body what it needs.

“There are foods we need to eat more of, like fruit and vegetables, and others we need to eat less of, which are foods high in saturated fat, sugar and salt. It’s all about getting the right balance. Eating healthily can be tasty, simple and fun. It’s about making small, long-term changes and enjoying the food you eat.”

For people interested in learning more about how their habits affect their heart health, the NHS website has a heart age calculator. The tool also explains how to improve your heart age by making some healthy lifestyle changes.

More information is available on the NHS website and the British Heart Foundation website. Always speak to a GP about any health concerns.