heart disease Archives - Page 2 of 2

Prevent Heart Disease With Medicare Screenings

According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), heart disease has been the leading cause of death for Americans ages 65 and over for the past several decades. One in four deaths is contributed to some form of heart disease, meaning any kind of condition, such as heart rhythm disorders, coronary heart disease, and congestive heart failure, that can lead to heart attack or stroke. The best way to prevent heart disease is to know your risk. Fortunately, because heart disease is so common – and deadly – in people aged 65 and older, Medicare offers multiple free screenings to help prevent it.

Medicare Coverage

Medicare Part B covers an annual cardiovascular disease risk reduction visit with your primary care physician. You do not need to show any signs or symptoms of heart disease in order to get screened. As long as your doctor or other health care provider accepts Medicare assignment, you will not pay anything for this screening. During the screening, your physician might:

Encourage aspirin use if the benefits outweigh the risks and:
- You are a man age 45-79
- You are a woman age 55-79
Check your blood pressure
Encourage a healthy diet

Once you get the initial screening, your doctor may advise further screenings, tests, and treatments. Medicare Part B also covers:

Aneurysm Screenings- Aortic aneurysms thin out areas in your arteries, which can weaken them. Medicare pays for a free screening for aneurysms as long you meet the following conditions: you have a family history of aortic aneurysm, or are a man between the ages of 65 and 75 who has smoked 100 or more cigarettes in his lifetime
Cholesterol Screenings- Having high cholesterol leads to build up in your arteries, which can restrict blood flow to the heart. Medicare covers one free cholesterol screening every 5 years. Any additional tests will not be free.
Medicare will only cover a cardiac stress test for people with known heart disease and symptoms.
Cardiac Stress Testing- During this test, your doctor will monitor your heart while you run or walk on a treadmill. They will also examine your heart with an electrocardiogram (EKG), echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart), or imaging (pictures of your heart taken after you are injected with a radioactive tracer). **Medicare will only pay for the stress test for those with known heart disease and symptoms of chest pain, shortness of breath, etc. You will pay 20% coinsurance for this test.

For follow-ups after your free screenings or any outpatient services, Medicare will pay 80%, and you will pay the remaining 20% coinsurance out-of-pocket. If you are hospitalized or need surgery, Medicare Part A will cover your inpatient hospital stay as well as any skilled nursing care.

Paying The Medicare Coinsurance

If you are experiencing any symptoms that could be related to heart disease, or would simply like to get screened for heart disease, get yourself checked! Medicare will pay for one free screening related to heart disease. If there is an issue, or you have to seek further care for heart disease, Medicare will only pay 80% of the costs for visits, tests, and more. These costs can add up. Fortunately, Medicare Supplement Plans help pay for the 20% out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare does not cover. Having one of these plans can help you better budget for and save money on medical expenses.

There are 10 different Medicare Supplement Plans. Each offers their own added coverage at different price points. They all help pay for any unexpected costs, and any further care management costs. EZ.Insure wants to protect your heart and your wallet by helping you find the right Medicare Supplement Plan for your needs. We will compare plans and guide you through the whole process, while answering any questions you might have. To get instant free quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak directly with a licensed agent, call 888-753-7207.

Managing Hemophilia As You Get Older

In the past, when a person had hemophilia, it meant they had a very short life expectancy, around 20-30 years. Thanks to research, over the past 7 decades, the life expectancy has increased almost 10-fold. Unfortunately, as hemophiliacs get older, other health issues are more likely to arise such as hypertension, obesity, and diabetes. In light of March being Hemophilia Awareness Month, it is important to discuss how the elderly can manage this condition to avoid further issues.

What Is Hemophilia?

Hemophilia is a rare medical condition in which the ability to blood clot and coagulate is reduced. A person with this condition will bleed out severely if they are injured. Normally, a person who does not have this condition, the blood will begin to coagulate (thick and clot) in order to reduce blood from leaving the body when injured.

Symptoms

It is hereditary, and caused by a mutation in the gene for factor VIII. The blood lacks sufficient blood-clotting proteins. Symptoms vary depending on the level of clotting factors. They include:

Blood in urine or stool
Nosebleeds without a known cause
Large or deep bruises
Pain or swelling in joints
Excessive bleeding from cuts or injuries

Other Health Issues Associated With Hemophilia

blood pressure cuff and machine with high numbers on it and pill container on a white table. — *People with hemophilia are twice as likely to have abnormally high blood pressure.*

Hemophilia can be very dangerous as you age, especially if you get an injury on your head. This rare condition can be associated with pregnancy, autoimmune conditions, cancer, and multiple sclerosis. Other conditions associated with the condition are:

Viral infections like HIV & Hepatitis– the antiviral drugs for these conditions can affect the person’s kidneys and liver.
Liver disease– The leading cause of liver disease in people with hemophilia are those infected with Hepatitis C. The risk of cirrhosis increases over time.
High Blood Pressure– People with hemophilia are twice as likely to have abnormally high blood pressure.
Cardiovascular disease– risk factors such as hypertension, high blood pressure, and being overweight can all lead to heart disease.
Musculoskeletal issues– loss of joint and muscle function is common in people with hemophilia. This puts them at a high risk for osteoporosis.
Kidney disease– this causes hypertension which could increase brain hemmorage.

Tips To Manage Hemophilia

In order to stay on top of hemophilia as you get older, it is important to stay as healthy as possible. You should:

two elderly people riding bikes — *Remain active and take vitamins in order to help manage hemophilia.*

Stay active
Check your blood pressure regularly to keep it on point
Take calcium and vitamin D supplements to prevent osteoporosis
Do not take daily aspirin to prevent heart issues, because aspirin thins out your blood more.
Lower your cholesterol
Check blood sugar levels in order to prevent diabetes, or keep it under control.
Keep a healthy weight and diet to improve your quality of life and prevent heart disease, diabetes, and other health issues.

Hemophilia, if extreme, can cause death. As you age, the more you are at risk for serious complications, especially if you have other health conditions such as hypertension. Seek emergency care, or your doctor if you have an injury that won’t stop bleeding, or have joints that are hot to the tough and painful to bend. Practice the tips provided in order to help manage hemophilia, so you can live a longer, healthier life.

Poor Heart Health Is A Deadly Sin

How often do you think about your heart health? It’s not something we see on television, yet heart disease remains our number one killer.

bright heart with stethoscope — *Doctors will give great advice, so make sure to pay attention to your checkups.*

Yearly, 25% of American deaths are from illnesses such as coronary heart disease. Certain factors like race and age also affect your chances.

Think about reaching into a bag of four marbles. One marble is striped, and if you pick that marble, you die. Do you like those odds?

Poor heart health is deadly and ignoring it should be a crime. Let’s look at how we can keep you from being one of the 610,000 people that die because of it.

Signs of Poor Heart Health

These are common signs that point to poor heart health. If you’re currently experiencing any of these, identify a symptom first, then talk to your doctor about them.

Bloating – This is especially dangerous if the bloating is in your extremities. It can be a sign of poor circulation because your heart can’t pump blood to all of them, and it gets backed up.

Sudden Fatigue – If you catch episodes of random weakness, then it can signal heart disease. This should only cause concern if the weakness comes from habitual activities like grocery shopping, bathing, or walking the dog.

Chest Pain – Most people find this to be the most recognizable sign. Discomfort or pain in the chest. While other causes may affect you, a prolonged feeling of pressure or burning can preempt a heart attack. One tip is to press on the painful spot. If the pain increases from pressure, it may not be heart-related.

Sporadic Heartbeats– When you’re at rest and your heartbeat climbs rapidly, first check to make sure it’s not panic-related or from something like caffeine. If you can rule those out, it could be another sign of poor health.

Spreading Pain – For this sign, it is a preliminary heart attack symptom. If it accompanies chest discomfort, then immediately seek help. The pain often is found in your jaw and neck or in your arm.

Dizziness – While it may be something that points to malnutrition or dehydration, if you’ve eaten and drank well, this could be another sign. Pay attention to if your dizziness springs from nothing or if it is accompanied by chest pain, nausea, or light-headedness.

As with every condition, you should speak to your physician. Be honest about your daily habits so that they can give you the best advice for maintaining your health. These symptoms can all point to other illnesses such as IBS or anxiety. However, assuming wrong in these cases can cost you dearly, so it pays to seek medical advice.

heart health tracked on a watch on a wrist — *Utilize technology for help. Use apps to track habits or assist in daily heart health boosts.*

Bad Habits to Stop

If you’ve experienced these symptoms in the past or are worried about your health, here are some clear bad habits to quit.

Ignoring Mental Health – While this is a more complicated topic, it is still a concern for heart health. The mental strain conditions like anxiety put you in can increase stress, and stress is bad news for your heart. Take care to alleviate these with meditation or medication.

Poor Moderation of Activity – Do you sit watching TV for hours? There is a reason why Apple watches tell you to get up. Sitting for excessive periods of time negatively affects your heart’s health. Too much lethargy it bad, but strenuous activity in short bursts is also bad. Take care to stick to a moderate exercise routine and get up regularly throughout the day.

Alcohol – This is a debated view because of alcohol’s cultural status. The accepted answer is about 2 glasses of wine per day should be fine. More than this runs the risk of harming you due to weight gain and high blood pressure.

Poor Diet – We have an obesity problem with over half of America overweight. While fried foods, red meat, and processed sugars are delicious, take care to limit your consumption of them. Focus on a healthy diet filled with fruits and vegetables.

Don’t ignore the signs–they can lead to hospitalization or worse. As for the habits, we can support each other in working them into our schedules. Poor heart health is not just a disservice; it can be a slow suicide.

Why African Americans Are 20x More Likely To Have Heart Disease

Heart disease is the number one killer in America. It affects African Americans more than members of any other race or ethnic background. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), 44% of African American men and 48% of African American women have some form of cardiovascular disease, putting them at a far greater risk for heart disease and stroke than Caucasians. In fact, in African Americans under the age of 50, the heart failure rate is 20 times higher than that of any other race. There are multiple factors that contribute to heart disease, with

*Heart disease is higher among African Americans than any other race.*

high blood pressure (also known as hypertension) being the largest factor. Weight, dietary practices and smoking can also contribute. However, there are ways to combat these factors, and lower your risk of developing heart disease, or beat it if you are already struggling with this silent killer.

High Blood Pressure

According to a 2009 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, African Americans are more likely to have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, than members of any other race. The risk is especially high in African American women. The American Heart Association theorizes that high blood pressure develops early in life for African Americans due to their genetic makeup, and salt sensitivity. This raises the chance of having a stroke. Because high blood pressure increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death, it is important to learn ways to lower your blood pressure and keep it under control. Whether high blood pressure runs in your family or not, find out what your numbers are and check them often. The more regularly you check your blood pressure, the greater your chance of learning how to control it. Report your numbers to your doctor so they can be aware of the changes as well.

Obesity & High Cholesterol

Another risk factor for developing heart disease is obesity, and African-American women are 80% more likely to be overweight or obese, than any other groups in the U.S. Being overweight increases your chances of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart disease; the more weight you carry, the more oxygen your body needs to move around the excess tissue, which means your heart needs to work harder and will be put under stress. Some strategies for controlling your weight include drinking plenty of water to feel more full, and opting for lean meats such as chicken instead of beef. Vegetables and fruits should be added to every meal as well. Exercise plays a key role in burning calories and strengthening your heart, so it is important to make moving your body a daily habit. Start slowly with gentle activities such as walking for half an hour everyday.

Diabetes

African Americans are also 77% more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes, a disease which can play a significant role in developing heart disease. High levels of glucose (or hyperglycemia, a defining characteristics of diabetes) narrow and harden the arteries, thus making it harder for blood to flow to and from your heart and, again, causing stress to your heart. Diabetes is, however, treatable and preventable as long as you are aware of the causes and work at managing it if you do develop it. Staying away from sugar and high-carb foods will help keep your insulin

levels down.

Smoking

The CDC has found that 1 in 5 African American adults smoke cigarettes, a practice which increases the chance of developing heart disease. It is no secret that smoking is not good for you, and it can be hard to quit once you begin, but it is never too late to stop smoking. Seek help from your doctor, as well as family or friends to help you quit. Quitting will significantly lower your risk of heart disease

While your racial or ethnic background may mean a greater chances of developing heart disease, lifestyle choices play a bigger role. In order to reduce your risk, it is important to take care of yourself and stay healthy. Stay on top of your blood pressure numbers, and take the necessary medications to keep it regulated. A healthy diet is key to keeping your heart healthy, so make sure you eat foods low in sodium, and limit sugary snacks or foods. Avoiding heart disease is possible as long as you take care of yourself, as healthier lifestyle changes can go a long way in reducing your risk.

The Spike In Holiday Death Rates

It has been said that more deaths occur during the holidays, and statistics show this to be true. Different reasons account to why people die or get hurt during the holidays. Knowing these issues, especially the medical ones such as high cholesterol, obesity, and heart-related deaths, will help you survive. Several studies show people have a greater chance of dying on Christmas, the day after, or on New Year’s Day than on any other day of the year. Why do so many deaths occur? What can you do to protect yourself and loved ones?

Traveling

People travel for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s so they can spend time with their families and loved ones. In 2012 there were 764 crashes during Thanksgiving travel, and 654 crashes during Christmas that led to at least one fatality. There were also almost 50,000 non-fatal accidents during Thanksgiving that year as well. The reason for the accidents is due to everyone being in a rush to get to their destination, or people driving after drinking alcohol. Snowy and icy road conditions contribute to the number of accidents as well.

Roads and walkways get icy from the snow and below freezing temperatures during winter months. We have all taken a tumble at least once in our lives because of an icy driveway or sidewalk. Some are lucky to have gotten up okay, while others end up with injuries. Take precaution when walking in icy conditions. Throw down salt on your driveway and walkway as much as needed after a snowfall and below freezing temps in order to prevent falls and injuries.

Decorating

In 2015, 14,000 people had to go to the hospital for injuries that happened while decorating. Hanging decorations is the leading cause of injuries during the holiday season. Decorating on the roof of your home, or up high where a ladder is required is dangerous. Make sure to check your ladder before you use it, and have a family member of friend help you. Also, if you plan to decorate,try to limit alcohol consumption. Some people will have a drink or two while getting in the spirit of decorating, which increases the likelihood of an accident. This is because when alcohol is in our system, we are less cautious than we normally would be.

Another reason for deaths and injuries is what most people least expect to happen, a fire. Fires can start from Christmas trees, candles, and lights. Over 200 fires happen in a home from Christmas trees igniting, while over 6,000 fires occur from candles. A real Christmas tree can become too dry and cause a fire as well, so make sure it is fresh, and keep it away from heat sources. Make sure to check your lights for damage, and put out your candles before you go to sleep or leave the house. It is better to remember these little details in order to save your home, and more importantly your family’s lives.

Health Conditions

Stress, sodium, sweets, and alcohol all partake in the holidays. But, they also partake in worsening health conditions during the holidays. This is especially true for heart-related illnesses. Most heart attacks occur during the holidays than at any other time of the year. It begins during Thanksgiving and continues until after the new year. Why? You might have guessed it has something to do with all the food and stress. It does. People consume a lot of salt, and alcohol during the season which raises a person’s chance of a heart attack. The emotions and stress accompanied with the holidays can be too much on a person’s heart. Some people do not handle stress and depression well, and their heart takes a hit. We have all heard of dying from a broken heart. It is true, your emotions play a big role on your heart health.

*Many accidents and deaths occur during the holidays. Having insurance will help with medical bills and treatment.*

Other reasons of death include people forgetting their pills while traveling, or shoveling too much without taking breaks. A lot of times, people will hold off on seeking medical attention until after the holidays. They try not to make a fuss about their health issues while with their family during the holidays. Putting off any necessary medical attention will increase the chances of a serious condition worsening, or death.

Be Prepared

Make sure you are insured during the holiday season, because as studies have shown, you have a higher risk of getting hurt and ending up in the hospital during the holidays. Medical bills can add up quickly, and become very expensive. If you are not insured, or would like to seek better health insurance, EZ.Insure can help you find a plan, and set you up. We will provide you with quotes from the top carriers in your region so you don’t have to. We do all the work of researching, and comparing for you, for free! Get an instant quote by entering your zip code in the bar above. Or if you would like to speak to an agent, email replies@ez.insure, or call 888-350-1890. Be prepared this holiday season. De-stress as much as you can, and one way to do this is to make sure you are insured. We can provide this assurance. Stay safe and enjoy the holidays with peace of mind.