Heart Disease

Heart disease is a disorder in the functioning of the heart, which includes many types of heart conditions. The most common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease (CAD), which restricts the blood flow to the heart. Decreased blood flow can cause a heart attack.

Heart Management Program

Our Heart Management Program will help you learn about your heart condition and become active in your own care. We want to help improve your health and quality of life.

Here are few tips to help you manage your heart disease: 

Take your medicine the way your doctor orders

• Do not stop taking your medication without talking to your doctor.
• Some heart medicines must be stopped over several days.
• Most heart and blood pressure medicines must be taken for life.
• When you run out of refills, call your doctor for another prescription.  

See your doctor regularly

• You need to visit your doctor at least twice a year.
• If you must go to the hospital, make an appointment to see your doctor within two weeks of getting out of the hospital.
• Ask your doctor which lab tests you may need to monitor your heart disease. 
• Have your blood pressure checked as prescribed by our doctor. 
  • You should maintain your blood pressure at less than 140/90. 

General Tips

• Eat more fruits, vegetables, nuts, dried beans, whole grains and foods low in salt.
• Stop smoking and avoid second-hand smoke.
  • Do not smoke. If you need help to quit smoking or using tobacco, call the toll-free Quitline at 1-800-784-8669 or 1-800-QUIT-NOW. If someone in your family smokes, ask them to smoke outside.

We Take Your Health to Heart

Our Cardiac Program could help adults who have had heart failure, a heart attack or heart surgery. Case managers can teach you how to eat healthy, stay active and take medicines the right way. They can also help you recognize the warning signs of more trouble with your heart.