Caring for heart health can help with living a longer, healthier life to enjoy the friends, family, and activities we love. Fortunately, many of the reasons people develop heart disease can be prevented. About half of Americans have at least one key risk factor for heart disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (1). These include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking. While other factors such as age or family history cannot be controlled, making a few healthy lifestyle choices can help reduce risk of heart disease.
- Exercising Regularly
The CDC recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week (for example, 30 minutes a day, five days a week), plus muscle-strengthening activities at least two days a week (2). This might include activities like taking a brisk walk, jogging, cycling, and lifting weights or doing yoga. - Eating a Healthy Diet
Over time, eating an unhealthy diet can lead to high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels, both risk factors for developing heart disease. Eating healthy foods, like fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and low-fat dairy products, and consuming less salt, saturated fat, and sugar can help to reduce risk for heart disease and other chronic illnesses. - Quitting Smoking and Limiting Alcohol Consumption
Smoking and heavy alcohol use both contribute to high blood pressure, which can lead to heart attack or death. In fact, smoking causes one of every four deaths attributed to cardiovascular disease, according to the CDC (3). Members can find support for tobacco cessation by visiting sutterhealthplus.org/wellness. When consuming alcohol, the CDC recommends that women should have no more than one drink a day and men should have no more than two drinks a day (4). - Scheduling Preventive Care
Preventive care screenings and exams can provide early detection and treatment of certain health conditions, which can lead to better health outcomes. The Sutter Health Plus annual health maintenance guidelines, Partnering for Your Best Health, helps members understand the latest exam and screening recommendations at any age, including high cholesterol and blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity—all risk factors for heart disease. Sutter Health Plus covers a variety of preventive care services at no cost share. Members should talk to a provider about which preventive care services may be right for them. Learn more at sutterhealthplus.org/members/preventive-care. - Seeking Education and Support
Members have access to a library of webinars providing education and information on many topics including heart health, such as:
• Heart Disease: Differences Between Men and Women – Pei-Hsiu Huang, M.D., offers expertise in making lifestyle changes for protecting heart health
• Heart Disease Prevention – Learn which heart disease risk factors may be preventable and questions to ask a provider
• How Cholesterol Impacts Your Stroke and Heart Attack Risks – Edward Yu, M.D., discusses proven interventions that can lower stroke and heart attack risk
• Take Control of Your Heart Health – Learn about diagnosing atrial fibrillation (AFib), monitoring symptoms, and options to control stroke caused by AFib
A Health Coaching Program is also available to members at no cost. The program provides personalized, one-on-one coaching by telephone for making healthier lifestyle choices, maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, and tobacco cessation. Members can enroll by calling 844-987-6095.
Additionally, members who may benefit from disease management, including for heart failure, have access to the Sutter Health Integrated Care Management Program at no cost. The program supports collaboration between a member, their primary care provider, and healthcare team through programs and services like healthy lifestyle coaching and education for medication management. Members can enroll by calling 844-987-6095.
Learn more about these programs and health resources available for members by visiting sutterhealthplus.org/wellness.
