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Heart Disease Resources

People of all ages need to keep their heart healthy. Eating well, exercising regularly, and seeing your health care provider can help you keep your heart healthy. Work with your healthcare provider and adopt good lifestyle habits to help lower the risk of heart disease.

Heart disease describes conditions related to plaque building up in the walls of the arteries. Other conditions include arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythms), congenital heart failure, and heart valve problems.

What is your risk?

Heart disease can happen to anyone, including children. You can be born with it, and a family history of heart disease may increase your risk.

Most heart disease develops over time due to poor habits such as smoking or eating an unhealthy diet. Having high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes also increases your risk of heart disease. Talk with your provider about ways to prevent or manage diabetes and control other risk factors.

What is a good resting heart rate?

A normal resting heart rate for adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute (bpm). Remember, factors such as age, physical activity, and overall health can affect what is considered your normal resting heart rate.

Talk to your provider if you have concerns about your heart rate.

How does high blood pressure affect heart health?

The higher your blood pressure levels, the more risk you have for heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Causes for high blood pressure include:

  • Diabetes
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Smoking
  • Not getting enough regular physical activity
  • Unhealthy diets, including high amounts of sodium and alcohol

Talk to your provider about how you can lower your blood pressure to help avoid heart disease and stroke.

How can you lower your risk of heart disease?
• Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, poultry, and fish; avoid having too much salt or sugar
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Exercise at least 150 minutes per week
• Keep your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar at a healthy level
• Don’t smoke or use any tobacco products
• Follow your doctor’s recommendations
Can heart disease be treated?
Yes. Talk to your provider about how to safely reduce the risk of heart disease. You can also talk about setting goals for a healthier heart. Your provider may also prescribe medication.
What are symptoms of a heart attack?

A heart attack occurs when the flow of blood to the heart is severely reduced or blocked. Be aware of the following symptoms:

  • Fatigue
  • Cold sweat
  • Nausea
  • Chest pain
  • Dizziness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pain in the jaw, neck, arms, shoulder, or back

Call 911 if you or someone you know is having a heart attack.

What can cause Congestive Heart Failure?

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a chronic condition that makes it harder for your heart to pump blood and meet your body's needs. The following factors may increase your risk of CHF:

  • Diabetes
  • High cholesterol levels
  • High blood pressure
  • Poor diet
  • Not getting enough physical activity
  • Smoking and/or using tobacco
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Stress

Talk to your provider to learn more about CHF.

What can cause heart arrhythmia?

A heart arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat. Factors that may cause arrhythmia include:

  • Blood sugar levels that are too low or too high
  • Caffeine, illegal drugs, and certain medications
  • Dehydration
  • Low levels of electrolytes, such as potassium, magnesium, or calcium
  • Physical activity
  • Strong emotional stress or anxiety
  • Vomiting or coughing
  • Smoke
  • Use illegal drugs, such as cocaine or amphetamines
  • Drink alcohol more often and more than is recommended (no more than 2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink per day for women)
  • Take certain antibiotics and over-the-counter allergy and cold medicines

Talk to your provider about how to prevent arrhythmias.

Here are some resources to help you prevent or manage heart disease:

 

Managing Blood Pressure Flyer

American Heart Association

 High Blood Pressure Resources Page (CDC)

Heart Health Articles and Videos (Healthwise)


 

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More Heart Health News:


Fidelis Care’s New Rego Park Community Office Opens to Serve Local Residents
7/27/2021 • Posted by Maria Ramirez

New location continues health plan’s more than 25-year commitment to the community


LONG ISLAND CITY, NY, July 27, 2021– Fidelis Care is pleased to announce the opening of its newest Community Office at 95-01 63rd Drive in Rego Park, Queens. Conveniently located in a busy and diverse neighborhood near shopping, restaurants, and businesses, and with easy access to public transportation, the new office continues Fidelis Care’s more than 25-year commitment to serve local residents where they work and live.

With high visibility at the intersection of 63rd Drive and Saunders Street, the spacious new office is just two blocks away from Fidelis Care’s former Welcome Center and headquarters at 95-25 Queens Boulevard, and enables members and those seeking information about quality, affordable health insurance to meet with a Fidelis Care Representative in a safe and private setting. Fidelis Care Representatives speak multiple languages, reflecting the diversity of the community.

Whether applying for or renewing their coverage, or learning about their health insurance options, local residents can visit the new Community Office Mondays and Thursdays from 9 AM-5:30 PM; and Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10 AM-3 PM during July and August. Starting in September, new hours will be Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5:30 PM.

“By being part of the community, we are able to make sure that children and adults of all ages have access to the health care and coverage they need,” said Fidelis Care Chief Member Engagement Officer Pam Hassen. “Fidelis Care is deeply rooted in the Rego Park community and we look forward to having an expanded presence through our newest Community Office, where we can continue to provide outstanding service, support, and care.”

Fidelis Care has 36 Community Offices across New York State, including 21 in New York City and Long Island. StreetSide, Fidelis Care's fleet of mobile offices, is also on the road to serve members and share information about coverage options.

 

Expanded Coverage, New Financial Assistance, No Premium for Essential Plan

Fidelis Care Representatives can help local residents learn about low-cost options for coverage and new and expanded financial assistance to New Yorkers enrolling in health insurance through NY State of Health. Through the American Rescue Plan, more individuals and families now qualify for financial help – including those with higher incomes who were not previously eligible for tax credits. Additionally, the Essential Plan now has no monthly premium, with dental and vision coverage added at no cost to members.

At all Fidelis Care community offices and StreetSide vehicles, COVID-19 safety precautions are in place including required mask wearing for entry, hand sanitizing, and social distancing.

For more information, or to make an appointment, individuals may call Fidelis Care at 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547); TTY: 711. The latest Community Office and StreetSide schedule is available at fideliscare.org/offices.

 


About Fidelis Care:
Fidelis Care is a mission-driven health plan offering quality, affordable coverage for children and adults of all ages and at all stages of life. With more than 2.3 million members statewide, Fidelis Care believes that all New Yorkers should have access to affordable, quality health insurance.  Follow us on Twitter at @fideliscare, Instagram at @fideliscare, and on Facebook at facebook.com/fideliscare. For more information, call Fidelis Care at 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547) or visit fideliscare.org.

Fidelis Care contact: Maria Ramirez  MediaInquiries@fideliscare.org