Heart Disease

Heart disease develops when the blood vessels (arteries) that carry oxygen-rich blood become damaged or blocked, severely reducing blood flow to the heart.

When the heart does not receive enough blood for an extended period of time, permanent damage to the heart can occur.

Heart disease is a term that includes many different chronic heart conditions. It develops over time and can affect adults of any age.

By following your treatment plan, there’s a lot you can do to live well. You can manage your condition and work with your doctor to:

• Create a personal action plan (PDF)
• Use medicines correctly
• Control your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar
• Exercise regularly and eat healthy foods
• Quit smoking

To talk with a nurse, call us at 1-800-392-4247 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Log in to Member Secured Services and click the Health and Wellness tab for more health resources, including in-depth information about these conditions.

• American Heart Association
• CDC Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention