Men’s Health edition of The Pulse
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men in the United States. Understanding the signs and symptoms, plus getting regular screenings, can mean the difference between life and death.
Heart Disease Explained
Heart disease refers to several types of heart conditions. The most common in men are:
- coronary artery disease caused by plaque in the artery walls
- arrhythmia caused by the heart beating too slowly, too fast or irregularly
- heart failure when the heart is too weak to pump enough blood to other organs
Heart disease puts you at greater risk for heart attacks and sudden cardiac arrest.
Symptoms of Heart Attacks
Some heart attacks happen suddenly and with intense pain, while others start slowly with mild pain or discomfort. Know the major symptoms of a heart attack:
- pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, stomach or back
- nausea or vomiting
- feeling weak, dizzy, light-headed or faint
- chest pain or discomfort
- pain or discomfort in arms or shoulder
- shortness of breath
- unusual or unexplained fatigue
If you think you're having a heart attack, call 911 right away.
You should know what heart disease may feel like. Along with symptoms it shares with heart attacks, you may also have:
- fluttering in your chest, called palpitations or arrhythmia
- fatigue
- swelling of your feet and legs, abdomen, or neck veins
Even if you don't have symptoms, you may still be at risk for heart disease. So, if you haven't had regular heart screenings with your doctor, start today.
How Can You Lower Your Risk?
You can't control risk factors like your family history or age. But with the right lifestyle changes, you can lower your risk:
- Maintain a healthy weight. Even a 10-pound weight loss can lower blood pressure and reduce strain on your heart.
- Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol in a healthy range. Talk to your provider about your numbers and ask what you can do to lower them.
- Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, balanced with whole grains, low-fat dairy, skinless chicken, and fish may help prevent clogged arteries and blood vessels.
- Exercise regularly. Try to get at least 150 minutes of aerobic activity, like walking or cycling, weekly.
- Don't smoke or use tobacco. Limit alcohol. Both can raise your blood pressure and risk for heart disease.
- Practice self-care to manage stress.
Your TRS Health Plans Cover Preventive Care at 100%.
Resources
TRS-ActiveCare and TRS-Care Standard
If you need an in-network provider, call a Personal Health Guide (PHG) 24/7 at 1-866-355-5999 or chat through the BCBSTX App. A PHG can even schedule an appointment for you.
You can also search for a provider using Provider Finder®:
- TRS-ActiveCare Provider Finder
- TRS-Care Standard Provider Finder
Your TRS-ActiveCare and TRS-Care Standard plans offer Well onTarget® Wellness Coaching from credentialed professionals with a variety of programs to improve your heart health:
- Achieving and Maintaining a Healthy Weight
- Nutrition for Better Health
- Improving your Blood Pressure
- Enhancing your Physical Activity
- Managing your Stress
- Quitting Tobacco
- Improving your Cholesterol
Learn more about Wellness Coaching.
Not sure where to start when it comes to exercise? TRS-ActiveCare and TRS-Care Standard offer a discounted Fitness Program that gives you access to a nationwide network of fitness locations.
There's also a virtual fitness program so you can stay active at home.
TRS-Care Medicare
Rally Coach by UnitedHealthcare
- Real Appeal® weight loss and Real Appeal diabetes prevention* —Online weight-loss programs help you gain energy, reduce risk of developing serious health conditions and achieve your long-term health goals. Call 1-844-924-7325, Monday–Friday, 6 a.m.–10 p.m. CT.
- Wellness Coaching —Online and live coaching support program with a variety of digital health and wellness courses. Call 1-800-478-1057, TTY 711, 7 a.m.–10 p.m. CT Monday–Thursday, 7 a.m.–7 p.m. CT Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. CT Saturday.
- Quit For Life® —A tobacco cessation program with tools and resources to help you quit using all types of tobacco. Call 1-866-QUIT-4-LIFE, TTY 711, 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
Get started today at Rally Coach by UnitedHealthcare.
Let's Move by UnitedHealthcare
Let's Move by UnitedHealthcare is here to help keep your mind, body and social life active. With simple resources, tools, fun events, and personalized support, we'll help you explore ways to eat well, get fit, beat the blues, and stay connected.
For more about all Let's Move has to offer, visit Let's Move by UnitedHealthcare to sign in and get started. You'll find tasty recipes, cooking events and much more to help support your health and well-being.
*Refer to the Evidence of Coverage at TRS-Care Medicare Coverage and Benefits for eligibility requirements.
Source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Heart Disease, May 2023.