Heart Healthiness

Every day more than 2,200 Americans die from cardiovascular disease
Every year more than two million Americans have a heart attack or stroke*

Don’t be a statistic! Keep your heart healthy by talking to your doctor about the ABCS of heart heath. Ask your doctor about:

Appropriate aspirin therapy. Should I be taking aspirin if I’m at risk for a heart attack? Aspirin may reduce your chance of having a heart attack or a stroke. Learn more about daily aspirin use or Ask a Pharmacist.

Blood pressure control. Is my blood pressure unhealthy, and if needed, how can I improve it? High blood pressure is often called a “silent killer.” It may not have any obvious symptoms until the condition becomes very dangerous, but it can lead to heart failure, stroke, and kidney disease. Know your blood pressure numbers.

Cholesterol management. What types of diet and exercise are best for my heart? A healthy lifestyle including maintaining a healthy weight and regular exercise can help keep cholesterol in check. Learn more about the fitness program included with Excellus BlueCross BlueShield’s Medicare Advantage plan.

Smoking cessation. What's the best way to stop smoking or reduce smoking? For tips and support, visit NYSmokeFree.com. It usually takes more than one try to stop smoking, so don’t give up! Your doctor can help you develop a plan for quitting.

Talk to your doctor about preventive care, medicines, exercise routines, and the many ways you can keep yourself safe and well. The more you tell your doctor, the better off you’ll be. Here are some tips to follow during your next doctor’s appointment.

Excellus BCBS Care Managers can provide additional support with chronic conditions. Get connected to a nurse today.

Million Hearts

Heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases kill over 800,000 Americans each year, accounting for one in every three deaths. It’s the nation’s number one killer among both men and women and the leading cause of health disparities across the population. To address this issue, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) established Million Hearts, a five-year initiative co-led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

*Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Million Hearts.