February marks American Heart Month, a meaningful opportunity to focus on protecting your cardiovascular health. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death around the world, claiming millions of lives each year. In the United States, the CDC notes that heart-related conditions account for roughly one out of every three deaths.
The encouraging news is that many heart issues can be prevented. By combining healthy routines with the preventive services available through Medicare, you can take intentional steps toward safeguarding your long-term well-being.
Building Healthy Habits Through Prevention
Everyday choices play a major role in supporting heart health. Staying active, eating nutritious foods, managing stress, and getting enough rest all help reduce cardiovascular risk. When you pair these habits with Medicare’s preventive care benefits, you gain a strong foundation for monitoring and improving your heart health.
1. Screenings and Early Detection
Catching potential problems early can make a significant difference in preventing heart disease. Medicare Part B covers cholesterol, triglyceride, and lipid panel tests every five years, along with blood pressure and diabetes screenings. These measurements offer valuable insight into your cardiovascular risk.
If you already have heart disease or are considered high risk, your provider may recommend more frequent testing, which Medicare may also help cover. Understanding your numbers empowers you to take action before small issues become more serious.
2. Support for Lifestyle Changes
Medicare includes one cardiovascular behavioral therapy visit each year. During this session, your doctor can evaluate your diet, activity level, stress management, and medications. Together, you can identify simple adjustments that lower your risk and support healthier habits.
This appointment provides personalized guidance, helping you make meaningful changes with professional oversight.
3. Resources to Help You Quit Smoking
Smoking is one of the most avoidable contributors to heart disease. Both Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans offer coverage for counseling, quit‑smoking programs, and certain medications designed to support cessation efforts. Within just a year of quitting, your risk of heart attack decreases dramatically, making this one of the most impactful steps you can take for your health.
4. Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs
If you’ve had a heart attack, angioplasty, bypass surgery, valve replacement, or another cardiac event, Medicare covers both standard and intensive rehabilitation programs. These programs include supervised exercise, education, and counseling to help rebuild strength, improve circulation, and reduce the likelihood of future complications.
5. Hospital Care and Cardiac Procedures
Medicare Part A provides coverage for inpatient hospital care related to heart conditions, including surgeries and recovery periods. This typically includes semiprivate rooms, meals, and nursing care after a qualifying hospital stay. Having this support during treatment and recovery can give you peace of mind during critical times.
6. Annual Wellness Visits and Ongoing Monitoring
Medicare Part B also covers an annual wellness visit, an important touchpoint for monitoring your heart health. During this appointment, your provider can evaluate your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and other key indicators. They may also recommend screenings or preventive steps tailored to your individual needs.
Most Medicare plans cover this visit at no extra cost, making it an accessible way to stay proactive about your health.
Why Preventive Care Matters
Preventive care and long-term healthy choices are essential in lowering the risk of heart disease. These services help identify concerns early, support positive lifestyle changes, and empower you to make informed decisions about your care. Medicare is designed to make these resources affordable and accessible, giving you more control over your heart health.
Heart disease may be common, but it is not unavoidable. With consistent healthy habits and the support of Medicare’s preventive services, you can take meaningful action to protect your heart. This American Heart Month, consider scheduling your wellness visit, reviewing your covered preventive benefits, and choosing even one new habit that strengthens your heart—today and throughout the year.