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HomeMemberHelpful ToolsHealth ResourcesHeart Disease

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:


Helping Kids and Adolescents Cope After Tragedy
6/2/2022 • Posted by Dr. Moataz El Refaie, Medical Director, Behavioral Health & Dr. Patrice Reives-Bright, Senior Medical Director, Behavioral Health

Fidelis-Care-Coping-with-Tragedy-and-Educating-Children

The impact of mass violence, like the tragic shootings in Buffalo and Texas, which were fueled by hatred and anger, can feel overwhelming and lead to hopelessness. Common reactions from children and adolescents can include behavioral changes, anxiety, intense engagement on social media, substance abuse, and mood changes. They may also experience fear and may not feel safe.     

Helping Children and Adolescents to Cope

  • Talk to your children. Do not avoid the conversation. It is better if the information and discussion happens with you.
  • Normalize their feelings of anxiety, sadness, fear, and confusion.
  • Understand that different children may have different reactions, and some may present more intensely.
  • Promote your children’s coping skills. Keep their usual routines and expectations.
  • Allow your network to support you and your children. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
  • Help teens find healthy outlets to express themselves and avoid alcohol and substance use.  
  • Be intentional and create time away from media outlets.  

Leading by example, Being a Role Model

  • You as a parent or caregiver can be a positive role model for your child when it comes to prioritizing
    mental health and self-care. Acknowledge your own emotions and model for your child how to address them.
  • Keep a pulse on your own anxiety. Listen if those close to you see changes that may indicate the need for professional support.
  • When you take good care of yourself and you are in a good place, you will be able to take good care of your children and provide them with what they need.

Moving Forward

  • Give grace to yourself or others to move at your own pace to heal.
  • By prioritizing our goals and responsibilities, you can create an action plan.
  • Action plan helps us reduce stress and live according to our values and priorities

Seeking Help

  • Know that these reactions are natural and felt by others. You are not alone.  
  • Help is available in many forms. Seek help and support for yourself and your child in your social networks or professionally.

Resources & References: