Health Resources for Heart Disease | Fidelis Care
Member
Providers
Shop For a Plan

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)


 

Get Coverage Today

Tell us more about yourself to find qualifying plans and estimate costs.

More Heart Health News:


Fidelis Care Proudly Sponsors Women’s Day at The Great New York State Fair
8/30/2023 • Posted by Fidelis Care

SYRACUSE, NY (August 30, 2023) – Fidelis Care, a New York State health plan covering more than 2.5 million residents, is excited to announce its sponsorship of Women’s Day at the Great New York State Fair. This partnership represents Fidelis Care’s continued commitment to supporting the health and well-being of women across New York State, female empowerment, and inclusivity.

Taking place on Wednesday August 30, Women’s Day at the Great New York State Fair will offer all attendees an array of activities and educational experiences, with a focus on encouraging a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

“Fidelis Care is proud to sponsor Women’s Day, giving us the opportunity to help empower women to focus on their health,” said Andi Gillentine, Fidelis Care Chief Operating Officer. “As a health insurance company dedicated to the health and wellness of individuals and families, we are thrilled to support an event that aligns with our core values.”

Free checkups will be available during a mini health fair at the Chevy Court Pavilion from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Among the highlights will be a mobile mammogram bus, free dental screening from DentaQuest, and wellness discussions.  

Fidelis Care is also sponsoring the Great New York State Fair’s Adopt a Family program. Fidelis Care has sponsored the Adopt a Family program since 2016, which provides vouchers for free admission, parking, and food for families that may be struggling and otherwise would not be able to attend. Through the Fair’s Adopt a Family program, Fidelis Care works with different community organizations to identify families in need. The program has served over 2,500 families since its inception and this year, 640 people are expected to attend the Fair through the program. 

Representatives will be available at Fidelis Care’s booth in front of the Art and Home Center, near the Chevy Court Pavilion, to answer questions about health insurance, renewals, and help eligible residents apply for enrollment.


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 2.5 million members statewide, Fidelis Care believes that all New Yorkers should have access to affordable, quality health insurance. Follow us on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/fidelis-care, on X (formerly 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.