February marks American Heart Month, a meaningful reminder to prioritize your cardiovascular well-being. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death globally, taking an estimated 17.9 million lives every year. In the United States, the CDC notes that roughly one in three deaths can be attributed to heart-related conditions.
The encouraging news is that many of these outcomes can be avoided. By maintaining healthy habits and taking advantage of the preventive services offered through Medicare, you can make informed, proactive choices to support long-term heart health.
Healthy habits begin with prevention
Day-to-day routines can have a powerful impact on cardiovascular health. Regular physical activity, nutritious eating, stress management, and quality sleep all play important roles. When these lifestyle habits work hand in hand with Medicare’s preventive benefits, you have a strong foundation for protecting your heart.
1. Screenings and tests
Identifying risk factors early is one of the most effective ways to lower your chance of developing heart disease. Medicare Part B includes coverage for cholesterol, triglyceride, and lipid panel tests every five years. It also covers screenings for diabetes and high blood pressure, both of which are key indicators of cardiovascular health.
If you already have heart disease or fall into a higher-risk category, your provider may suggest additional testing at more frequent intervals, and Medicare may help cover those costs. Understanding your numbers early gives you more control over your long-term outcomes.
2. Behavioral and lifestyle support
Medicare covers one yearly cardiovascular behavioral therapy session, which provides an opportunity to review your eating habits, exercise routine, medications, and other risk-related factors. These personalized conversations can help you make practical adjustments that support better cardiovascular health over time.
3. Support for quitting smoking
Smoking remains one of the most preventable contributors to heart disease. Both Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans offer coverage for counseling, cessation programs, and certain medications designed to help you quit. Just one year after quitting, your risk of a heart attack drops significantly, making this one of the most beneficial steps you can take for your heart.
4. Cardiac rehabilitation programs
If you have experienced a heart attack, undergone bypass surgery, received a stent, or had valve replacement surgery, Medicare covers both standard and intensive cardiac rehabilitation. These programs include medically supervised exercise, counseling, and education to help rebuild strength, improve circulation, and decrease the likelihood of future cardiac events.
5. Hospital stays and medical procedures
Medicare Part A provides coverage for inpatient hospital care connected to heart-related conditions, including surgical procedures and recovery needs. This coverage may include semiprivate rooms, meals, and nursing care after a qualifying stay. Having this support in place provides peace of mind during critical stages of treatment and recovery.
6. Annual wellness visits and preventive check-ins
Your annual wellness visit, covered by Medicare Part B, offers another valuable opportunity to stay aware of your cardiovascular health. During this visit, providers can evaluate your blood pressure, cholesterol, and other important markers while also recommending lifestyle adjustments or further screenings that may benefit you.
Most plans cover this appointment at no additional cost, making it a simple but effective way to keep track of your health throughout the year.
Why preventive care matters
Proactive care and consistent lifestyle management can significantly lower your risk of developing heart disease. Preventive services help identify small concerns before they turn into larger issues, giving you more control over your health journey. Medicare’s preventive resources are designed to be accessible and affordable, ensuring you have the support needed to make informed decisions.
Final thoughts
Heart disease is common, but it doesn’t have to define your future. By combining healthy everyday habits with the preventive and supportive services included in Medicare, you can take meaningful steps toward better cardiovascular health. This American Heart Month, consider scheduling your wellness visit, reviewing your current coverage, and committing to one manageable change that helps keep your heart strong all year long.