Health Resources for Heart Disease | Fidelis Care
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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 Partners with Shatterproof to End Addiction Stigma
10/24/2025 • Posted by Fidelis Care

LONG ISLAND CITY, NY (October 24, 2025) Fidelis Care, a statewide health plan with more than 2.2 million members in New York State and a Centene Corporation company, is proud to announce its partnership with Shatterproof, a national nonprofit organization committed to transforming addiction treatment and eliminating the stigma surrounding substance use disorder (SUD). This collaboration underscores Fidelis Care’s dedication to compassionate care and meaningful community impact.

Fidelis Care is an official 2025 NYC Shatterproof Walk Community Resource Village Sponsor at Shatterproof’s Walk to End Addiction Stigma on Saturday, October 25, in New York City. As part of this collaboration, Fidelis Care will form a team to walk alongside thousands in NYC to end addiction stigma and host a hub at the Walk, which will serve as a welcoming space for participants to connect with organizations that offer lifesaving resources, compassionate support, and pathways to hope and healing.

“We are thrilled to welcome Fidelis Care as a partner in the 2025 NYC Shatterproof Walk to End Addiction Stigma. Their commitment to showing up—not just through sponsorship, but by walking and volunteering alongside our community—reflects the heart of what this movement is all about. Together, we’re breaking down barriers, ending stigma, and ensuring that every person impacted by addiction feels seen, supported, and empowered,” said Shannon Greene, Vice President of Peer-to-Peer Fundraising at Shatterproof.

Substance use disorder affects millions of individuals and families across New York state and the nation. Stigma and misinformation often prevent people from seeking help. Shatterproof is leading efforts to change this narrative through education, advocacy, and community initiatives.

“Partnering with Shatterproof is a powerful collaboration and a shared mission," said Erik Lantier, LCSW, Director, Care Management, who is a leader on the End the Stigma initiative. "It reflects Fidelis Care’s deep commitment to dismantling addiction stigma and uplifting the communities we serve. Through our walk team, volunteer efforts, and sponsorship, we proudly stand alongside Shatterproof to drive meaningful change and expand access to life-saving resources. We’re not just supporting—we’re showing up, walking, and volunteering to make a difference.”

Together, Fidelis Care and Shatterproof aim to:

• Improve access to quality addiction treatment

• Educate communities about addiction and recovery, especially in underserved populations

• Ensure addiction care is equitable, evidence-based, and stigma-free

Fidelis Care supports these efforts as part of its mission to transform health in the communities it serves. The partnership with Shatterproof reflects a shared commitment to breaking down stigma and supporting those affected by addiction.


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 2.2 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.