Heart-Healthy Living
Did you know most people who suddenly collapse from a heart attack had America’s number one killer for years, and didn’t even know it?Coronary heart disease, also known as CHD, is the leading cause of death for men and women in America. February is American Heart Month, and TriWest Healthcare Alliance wants you to know how your TRICARE-covered benefits can help deter CHD.
What is coronary heart disease?
According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), CHD is a condition where plaque—a buildup of fatty deposits within the wall of a blood vessel—collects inside the coronary arteries and eventually prevents the heart from pumping blood the way it should. These arteries supply the body with oxygen-rich blood necessary for us to carry out daily activities and live a healthy life. CHD is the most common type of heart disease, and can often lead to fatal heart attacks or heart failure.Who’s at risk?
Quite a few factors play into increasing the risk of CHD. Some are beyond our control, such as:- Age: More than 83 percent of people that die of CHD are age 65 or older
- Gender: Men have a greater risk of heart attack than women
- Heredity: Those who have parents with heart disease and members of some ethnic groups are at greater risk.
- Smoking
- Physical inactivity
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- High stress levels
How can TRICARE help?
TRICARE covers cholesterol screenings and blood pressure tests to monitor your risks for cardiovascular disease, which can lead to CHD, as part of the clinical preventive services. Health screenings are particularly important if genetic factors or an unhealthy lifestyle puts you at a high risk for CHD.What can you do?
In addition to taking advantage of TRICARE-covered screenings, the most important thing you can do to prevent CHD is maintain a healthy lifestyle. Here are some suggestions:- Eat healthy, including plenty of fruits and veggies; limit your sodium
- Stop smoking, or don’t even start
- Exercise regularly—remember to make it fun (dance, hike, bike, etc.)
- Find ways to properly manage your stress, even if it’s one bubble bath a week
- Register on www.triwest.com and visit the Healthy Living Portal for access to healthy living tips, TRICARE benefit news and updates.
How can TriWest help?
TriWest offers the Condition (Disease) Management program with clinical health coaches who work alongside TRICARE beneficiaries with asthma, depression, diabetes, heart failure or any combination of these chronic conditions. The program is included as part of your TRICARE benefits at no additional cost and does not impact your regular TRICARE benefits. Visit the Condition Management section of the Healthy Living Portal or call 1-888-259-9378 for more information.Remember, most people with CHD exhibit no symptoms until it’s too late—get screened, get educated, and stay healthy!
