How You Can Prevent Heart Disease

 

Learn how you can prevent heart disease through lifestyle changes and how to detect it early with regular Medicare screenings.

David Minaya
February 22, 2022

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Cardiovascular disease — also called heart disease — is the leading cause of death  for all people in the U.S., where someone has a heart attack every 40 seconds.

Some of the biggest risk factors for heart disease include certain lifestyle choices or other medical conditions like:

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Diabetes
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High blood pressure or cholesterol
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Obesity and/or an unhealthy diet
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Smoking or excessive alcohol use
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Physical inactivity

Taking early action could mean the difference between life and death when it comes to heart disease. Luckily, Medicare has beneficiaries covered  for regular (and oftentimes life-saving) cardiovascular disease screenings.

Medicare Coverage for Heart Health

Medicare Part B covers cardiovascular disease screenings in the form of a blood test every five years. Your doctor will check cholesterol levels, as well as lipids and triglycerides.

These screenings — at no cost to you — help protect your heart by detecting certain conditions that could one day cause a heart attack or stroke.

Medicare Part B also covers an annual cardiovascular disease risk reduction visit . This 100% free service allows you to meet with your doctor to go over best practices for maintaining a healthy heart.

For beneficiaries who already have a heart condition, Medicare can cover some helpful cardiac rehab programs  including exercise, education and counseling.

Preventing Heart Disease

Some of the most important decisions you can make for your heart involve the foods you eat and the physical activity you provide your body. Your choices surrounding your diet (including those sugary beverages), exercise and cigarette smoking can help prevent heart disease .

Stay educated and on top of any underlying conditions that could increase your risk of heart disease. Proactive steps you can take might include:

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Checking your cholesterol
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Keeping your blood pressure under control
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Taking medications as directed
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Working closely with your healthcare team

Get your Medicare-covered cardiovascular disease screenings and choose healthy lifestyle habits to reduce your risk and maintain a healthy heart.

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LEGAL DISCLAIMER: The above is meant to be strictly educational and not intended to provide medical advice or solicit the sales of an insurance product or service of any kind.

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