February is National Heart Month. Cardiovascular disease—including heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure—is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. National Heart Month is a time to raise awareness of cardiovascular diseases and understand the steps you can take to decrease your risk factors. There are important steps that you can take to promote better heart health:
- Maintain a healthy diet that is low in sodium and contains fruits and vegetables
- Work with your doctor to screen for cardiovascular disease, especially if you have a family history with the disease
- Monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol on a regular basis
- Exercise regularly since physical activity can help you to lower your cholesterol and blood pressure, and to maintain a healthy weight
- Quit smoking, as cigarette use greatly increases your risk of cardiovascular disease
Speak with your doctor about cardiovascular disease to understand your risk and ways that you can promote heart health. To learn more about cardiovascular disease and National Heart Month, click here. TheAmerican Heart Association also provides information about cardiovascular disease.
Medicare Part B fully covers blood tests every five years to test for heart disease, as well as one annualcardiovascular disease risk reduction visit, as preventive care benefits. Speak with your doctor about receiving these services.