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Heart Disease Resources

People of all ages need to keep their heart healthy. Eating well, exercising regularly, and seeing your health care provider can help you keep your heart healthy. Work with your healthcare provider and adopt good lifestyle habits to help lower the risk of heart disease.

Heart disease describes conditions related to plaque building up in the walls of the arteries. Other conditions include arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythms), congenital heart failure, and heart valve problems.

What is your risk?

Heart disease can happen to anyone, including children. You can be born with it, and a family history of heart disease may increase your risk.

Most heart disease develops over time due to poor habits such as smoking or eating an unhealthy diet. Having high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes also increases your risk of heart disease. Talk with your provider about ways to prevent or manage diabetes and control other risk factors.

What is a good resting heart rate?

A normal resting heart rate for adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute (bpm). Remember, factors such as age, physical activity, and overall health can affect what is considered your normal resting heart rate.

Talk to your provider if you have concerns about your heart rate.

How does high blood pressure affect heart health?

The higher your blood pressure levels, the more risk you have for heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Causes for high blood pressure include:

  • Diabetes
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Smoking
  • Not getting enough regular physical activity
  • Unhealthy diets, including high amounts of sodium and alcohol

Talk to your provider about how you can lower your blood pressure to help avoid heart disease and stroke.

How can you lower your risk of heart disease?
• Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, poultry, and fish; avoid having too much salt or sugar
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Exercise at least 150 minutes per week
• Keep your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar at a healthy level
• Don’t smoke or use any tobacco products
• Follow your doctor’s recommendations
Can heart disease be treated?
Yes. Talk to your provider about how to safely reduce the risk of heart disease. You can also talk about setting goals for a healthier heart. Your provider may also prescribe medication.
What are symptoms of a heart attack?

A heart attack occurs when the flow of blood to the heart is severely reduced or blocked. Be aware of the following symptoms:

  • Fatigue
  • Cold sweat
  • Nausea
  • Chest pain
  • Dizziness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pain in the jaw, neck, arms, shoulder, or back

Call 911 if you or someone you know is having a heart attack.

What can cause Congestive Heart Failure?

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a chronic condition that makes it harder for your heart to pump blood and meet your body's needs. The following factors may increase your risk of CHF:

  • Diabetes
  • High cholesterol levels
  • High blood pressure
  • Poor diet
  • Not getting enough physical activity
  • Smoking and/or using tobacco
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Stress

Talk to your provider to learn more about CHF.

What can cause heart arrhythmia?

A heart arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat. Factors that may cause arrhythmia include:

  • Blood sugar levels that are too low or too high
  • Caffeine, illegal drugs, and certain medications
  • Dehydration
  • Low levels of electrolytes, such as potassium, magnesium, or calcium
  • Physical activity
  • Strong emotional stress or anxiety
  • Vomiting or coughing
  • Smoke
  • Use illegal drugs, such as cocaine or amphetamines
  • Drink alcohol more often and more than is recommended (no more than 2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink per day for women)
  • Take certain antibiotics and over-the-counter allergy and cold medicines

Talk to your provider about how to prevent arrhythmias.

Here are some resources to help you prevent or manage heart disease:

 

Managing Blood Pressure Flyer

American Heart Association

 High Blood Pressure Resources Page (CDC)

Heart Health Articles and Videos (Healthwise)


 

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Fidelis Care Reminds Men to Focus on Wellness and Prevention for Men’s Health Month
6/3/2025 • Posted by Fidelis Care

Regular Doctor Visits, Preventive Measures, Nutrition, and Lifestyle Choices Can Improve Health and Quality of Life

LONG ISLAND CITY, NY [June 4, 2025] – In observance of Men’s Health Month, Fidelis Care is spreading the word that June is an excellent time to remind the men in our lives to focus on their wellness. Through connections with providers and community-based organizations, neighborhood events across New York State, StreetSide RV mobile office stops and Community Office hours, and direct educational efforts with members, Fidelis Care reminds men this and every month to stay on top of their health.

Fidelis Care physician Dr. Arik Olson said, “It’s important for men to have a primary care provider and to get a checkup every year, even if they feel well. Many men don’t see a doctor unless they really need to. Men often say they feel fine, are too busy, or will get around to it ‘sometime’. It can be difficult to take time to see a doctor just for a checkup even though it can help lead to a healthier, longer life.”

Cholesterol and blood pressure tests, getting vaccines to prevent pneumonia and the flu, and colon cancer screenings are just a few things that can help men stay aware of their health as they get older.

Dr. Olson said, “Your doctor is the best expert to guide you through what really works and what is best to avoid. Don’t believe what you may read on social media about supplements, body scans, or genetic tests. These can often be scams. Get advice straight from your doctor.”

Staying physically and mentally active are also important factors for men’s health.

“Maintain and build social connections with other people,” said Dr. Olson. “This is more important as we get older. Find activities where you can see the same group of people on a regular basis. Get some form of exercise every day. It could be a daily walk, working outside in the garden, a sports group, or time at a gym.”

Other healthy advice for men includes:

  • Eat fruits and vegetables every day.
  • Avoid large amounts of “carbs” like bread, potatoes, or junk food.
  • Brush and floss your teeth every day and see a dentist for an exam and cleaning once or twice a year.
  • If you smoke, get help to quit. The NYS Quit Line website and hotline at 1-888-NY-QUITS is a great resource.
  • Avoid drugs and excess alcohol and ask for help to stop or cut down.
  • Don’t drive after drinking or using drugs or medications that could make you sleepy.

Dr. Olson added, “As we observe Men’s Health Month, my main message is to see your doctor once a year to get their suggestions for what can help you stay healthy. Your doctor can guide you based on their understanding of your conditions and personal health risks.”

Fidelis Care offers quality, affordable coverage for qualifying children and adults of all ages through Qualified Health Plans and the New York State-sponsored Child Health Plus, Essential Plan, and Medicaid programs. For more information, call 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547) or visit fideliscare.org


About Fidelis Care
Fidelis Care is a mission-driven health plan offering quality, affordable coverage for children and adults of all ages and at all stages of life. With more than 2.4 million members statewide, Fidelis Care believes that all New Yorkers should have access to affordable, quality health insurance. Follow us on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/fidelis-care, Instagram at @fideliscare, and on Facebook at  facebook.com/fideliscare. For more information, call Fidelis Care at 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547) or visit fideliscare.org.