When it comes to health, most men are like cars — they won’t go to the doctor unless there’s a check engine light on. But preventative maintenance is just as important for our bodies as it is for our vehicles. Just as you regularly check your car’s oil level, tire pressure or brake fluid, there are certain health parameters that you need to track regularly. This blog post will discuss 10 lab numbers that every man should keep an eye on this year, including A1C, ApoB, and Blood Pressure.

1. Hemoglobin A1C

Hemoglobin A1C is a measure of your average blood sugar level over the past two to three months. It’s a key indicator for diabetes, and can reveal whether you’re at risk even before you start to see symptoms. Normal A1C level is below 5.7 percent.

If your A1C level is between 5.7 and 6.4 percent, it indicates that you have prediabetes. Anything above 6.5 percent on two separate tests means you have diabetes. Regularly monitoring your A1C level can help you catch prediabetes or diabetes early, and take appropriate steps to manage your blood sugar levels with diet, exercise, and possibly medication.

2. Apolipoprotein B (ApoB)

Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) is a protein that’s involved in the metabolism of lipids and is the main protein found in LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol). High levels of ApoB can indicate a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

Typically, doctors focus on total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol), and triglycerides. But studies have suggested that ApoB might be a more accurate indicator of heart disease risk, because each ApoB particle carries one molecule of cholesterol, so a higher ApoB level means you have more cholesterol-filled particles in your blood. Ask your doctor for an ApoB test in addition to the standard cholesterol test.

3. Blood Pressure (BP)

Blood pressure is a measure of the force your heart uses to pump blood around your body. It’s written as two numbers, such as 120/80. The first number is the systolic pressure, which measures pressure when your heart beats. The second number is the diastolic pressure, which measures pressure when your heart rests between beats.

If your blood pressure is consistently above 130/80, you have high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke, but it can be managed with lifestyle changes and medication. Regularly monitor your blood pressure, and if it’s high, work with your doctor to control it.

4. Total Cholesterol

Total cholesterol measures the total amount of cholesterol in your blood, including LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol. A high total cholesterol level increases your risk for heart disease.

Ideally, your total cholesterol should be below 200 mg/dL. If it’s 240 mg/dL or higher, you’re at high risk for heart disease. Like high blood pressure, high cholesterol can be managed with diet, exercise, and medication. Regular cholesterol tests can help you keep track of your cholesterol level and manage your risk for heart disease.

5. Triglycerides

Triglycerides are a type of fat found in your blood. When you eat, your body converts any calories it doesn’t need to use right away into triglycerides. High levels can increase your risk of heart disease.

A normal triglyceride level is less than 150 mg/dL. If it’s 200 mg/dL or higher, it’s considered high. Like cholesterol, triglyceride levels can be managed with diet and exercise, and regular testing can help you keep track of your levels.

6. LDL Cholesterol

LDL cholesterol is often called the “bad” cholesterol because it contributes to fatty buildups in arteries. High levels of LDL cholesterol raise your chances of developing heart disease and stroke.

A healthy LDL level depends on your other heart disease risk factors, but generally, the lower your LDL cholesterol number, the lower your risk. If your LDL cholesterol is high, diet, exercise, and medication can help bring it down.

7. HDL Cholesterol

HDL cholesterol is often called the “good” cholesterol. It absorbs cholesterol and carries it back to the liver, which flushes it from the body. High levels of HDL cholesterol can lower your risk for heart disease and stroke.

An HDL cholesterol level of 60 mg/dL or higher gives you some protection against heart disease. Regularly monitoring your HDL cholesterol level can help you maintain a healthy level and reduce your risk of heart disease.

8. C-Reactive Protein (CRP)

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a substance produced by the liver in response to inflammation. High levels of CRP can indicate an infection or a chronic inflammatory disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.

A high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) test can also be used to evaluate your risk of developing coronary artery disease, a condition in which the arteries of your heart are narrowed. Talk to your doctor about whether an hs-CRP test is appropriate for you.

9. Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)

Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by both normal and malignant cells of the prostate gland. A slight elevation in the PSA level may be an indication of a serious prostate condition, including cancer.

The PSA blood test is often done to screen men for prostate cancer. However, the test is controversial because it’s not clear if the benefits of PSA screening outweigh the risks of follow up diagnostic tests and cancer treatments. Discuss with your doctor whether PSA testing is right for you.

10. Body Mass Index (BMI)

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure that uses your height and weight to work out if your weight is healthy. While not a perfect measure, it gives a good gauge of whether you’re a healthy weight for your height.

An ideal BMI for most adults is in the 18.5 to 24.9 range. If your BMI is 25 or more, you weigh more than is ideal for your height, which can increase your risk of health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Regularly monitoring your BMI can help you maintain a healthy weight.