Health Resources for Heart Disease | Fidelis Care
Member
Providers
Shop For a Plan

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)


 

Get Coverage Today

Tell us more about yourself to find qualifying plans and estimate costs.

More Heart Health News:


Fidelis Care Opens Applications for 2026 Here for Your Health Behavioral Health Grants
3/18/2026 • Posted by Fidelis Care

Grants aimed at funding innovative solutions to overcome barriers to care for individuals with substance use disorders

LONG ISLAND CITY, NY [March 18, 2026] – Fidelis Care, a statewide health plan with more than 2.4 million members in New York State and a Centene Corporation company, announced the opening of the 2026 Here for Your Health behavioral health grant application cycle.

This year’s grant theme centers on innovative approaches to reducing barriers to care for individuals with substance use disorders, prioritizing programs that improve access, engagement, and continuity of care for underserved and historically marginalized populations.

Grants ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 will be awarded to initiatives that address persistent challenges such as stigma, care fragmentation, and health-related social needs that can prevent individuals from accessing or staying connected to substance use treatment and recovery services.

“Too many New Yorkers facing substance use disorders encounter obstacles that delay or derail care altogether,” said Fidelis Care Chief Medical Officer Dr. Vincent Marchello. “Through this year’s grant program, we are investing in innovative, community-driven solutions that meet people where they are, remove barriers to treatment, and strengthen pathways to recovery. By supporting new ideas and partnerships, we can help close gaps in care and improve outcomes for individuals, families, and communities.”

The National Alliance on Mental Illness says millions of adults in the U.S. experience mental health conditions each year, often alongside substance use disorders. In New York State alone, more than 3.2 million adults, about one in five, are living with a mental health condition, and nearly 783,000 experience a serious mental illness that significantly interferes with daily life. Research and public health data consistently show that individuals facing economic instability, housing insecurity, and limited access to coordinated care are at heightened risk for unmet behavioral health needs. Innovative, integrated approaches are critical to ensuring timely, effective, and person-centered care.

The deadline to apply for a Fidelis Care Here for Your Health behavioral health grant is 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

Fidelis Care plans to announce grant recipients in May in observance of National Mental Health Awareness Month.


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, on Twitter at @fideliscare, 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.

About Here for Your Health
The Fidelis Care Here for Your Health (HFYH) campaign reaffirms a commitment to the health of every New Yorker. The campaign highlights Fidelis Care’s mission to ensure individuals receive care that is accessible, personalized, and comprehensive at every stage of life. Through strategic partnerships and community-based outreach, HFYH aims to connect New Yorkers with essential health services and resources that support physical, mental, and emotional well-being, while actively working to bridge gaps in care across communities.