Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Preventative Guidelines Heart Health (rev 02/10)

Heart Health Guidelines

Get Heart SmartCoronary artery disease (CAD) or coronary heart disease, occurs when the heart doesn’t get enough nutrient-rich blood through its system. CAD develops over the years as plaque (which consists of cholesterol, fat and other substances found in the blood) builds up on the inner artery walls.

Eventually, this build up of plaque narrows and hardens the arteries, reducing the blood fl ow to the heart. Reduced fl ow can result in a heart attack.

The American Heart Association (AHA) reports that approximately 7.9 million Americans ages 20 and older have survived a heart attack. About 8.9 million Americans experience chest pain or discomfort due to reduced blood supply to the heart.

Because vascular disease symptoms appear only after the damage has been done, don't wait to take action. Begin by following some of the recommendations outlined in this brochure or speaking with your doctor. The fi rst step to a healthy heart is a healthy lifestyle.

More InformationVisit the BluePrints for Health, Education section of bcbsde.com to fi nd a variety of health and wellness tools. These tools, which include health articles, hospital comparison tools and our preventive health guidelines, can help you improve your health and lifestyle choices, and decrease the cost of health care.

For more information on the importance of keeping your heart healthy and the warning signs of heart attacks, please visit americanheart.org. The American Heart Association is a national health agency dedicated to building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

Resources:

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware, bcbsde.com, My BlueConnection

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware, Preventive Health Guidelines

American Heart Association and American Stroke Association, americanheart.org

American Heart Association and American Stroke Association, americanheart.org, “Know the Facts, Get the Stats 2007.”

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware (BCBSD) is committed to helping you improve your heart health. We encourage you to follow the heart smart guidelines and checklist to help reduce your risk of heart attack and keep your heart healthy.

Heart Smart Checklist Eat healthy — select foods that

are high in nutrients and low in calories. The AHA recommends eating a wide variety from each of the basic food groups.

Stop smoking — nicotine use is the number one preventable cause of heart disease and stroke.

Get moving — physical activity will build endurance, control blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels and aid in weight control.

Lose excess pounds — obesity is a major risk factor for heart disease.

Avoid excessive alcohol — heavy drinking contributes to high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.

Schedule regular checkups — a doctor can pinpoint major risk factors, such as smoking, elevated cholesterol or blood pressure, excess weight and diabetes.

Control your cholesterol — check your cholesterol level with a simple blood test. If it’s too high, dietary changes, exercise, weight loss and/or drug therapy may help bring it down.

Keep tabs on your blood pressure — have it checked at least every two years.

Heart Smart Guidelines for Adults (Ages 22 and Older)

The following are just a few preventive health guidelines recommended by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware* related to heart health. For information on other recommended screenings, as well as immunizations and counseling, please visit the Customers section of bcbsde.com and, under BluePrints for Health, Education, click on Preventive Health Guidelines. These guidelines can help you to take charge of your health and include health care recommendations for every age.

Reduce your risks by:

• Limiting high-fat foods (especially saturated fat)

• Eating more high-fi ber, iron-rich (females) and calcium-rich foods

• Limiting sodium intake

• Participating in routine and frequent physical activity/exercise

• Receiving dietary counseling if you have high cholesterol or are at risk for cardiovascular disease

• Discussing benefi ts and risks of aspirin therapy with your physician if at risk for heart disease

*Screening, immunization and counseling recommendations may not be covered benefi ts under all BCBSD plans. Please consult your benefi ts materials.

Heart Attack Warning Signs from the AHA

• Chest discomfort in the center of the chest lasting more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. This can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.

• Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, stomach or other upper body areas.

• Shortness of breath. Often this comes along with chest discomfort, but it can occur before the chest discomfort.

• Other signs, including breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or light-headedness.

• While the most common symptom for women is chest pain or discomfort, they are more likely to have the other common symptoms (e.g., shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, back or jaw pain) than men.

If you think you or someone you’re with is having a heart attack, please don’t wait to get help. Immediately call 911 or go to a local emergency department.

Fast action matters in the treatment of a heart attack — responding quickly to warning signs can save lives.

Preventive Care for Heart Health