Information to help you keep your heart healthy

[Pages:12]Information To Help You Keep Your Heart Healthy

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Numbers To Know?

Know and track your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers.

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is also known as hypertension. It is one of the most common health problems in America today. The good news is, lowering your blood pressure can prevent heart attacks, stroke and kidney failure.

High Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance found in the blood. It is a normal part of blood, but too much cholesterol can block the flow of blood to the heart or brain. With the help of your doctor, you can lower your cholesterol and prevent a heart attack or stroke.

Goals for Most People

Blood pressure changes over time and in response to many things. Blood pressure is described with two numbers, one over the other. The higher number is the pressure while the heart is beating. The lower number is the pressure when the heart is resting between beats.

Cholesterol is also described in numbers. HDL is the "good" cholesterol. It helps keep cholesterol from blocking the arteries. LDL is the "bad" cholesterol. It is the main type of cholesterol that blocks the arteries.

Triglycerides are another kind of fat in the blood. They can also raise your risk of heart disease.

THE FOLLOWING GOALS ARE APPLICABLE FOR MOST PEOPLE1

Blood pressure:

HDL: (Good Cholesterol)

LDL: (Bad Cholesterol)

Total Cholesterol:

Triglyceride Level:

Below 120/80 (Below 120 over 80) Above 40

Below 100 (Goal below 70 is an option for very high-risk patients) Below 200 Below 150

Check with your doctor to see if your goals should be different.

1According to the National Heart,

Lung, and Blood Institute of the

National Institutes of Health.

Available at nhlbi.

as of February 2006.

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Track Your Blood Pressure and Cholesterol

There are usually no signs or symptoms of high blood pressure or high cholesterol. That's why it's important to:

I Have your blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly

I Write down your numbers

I Stay on the treatment plan you and your doctor agreed upon

Enclosed is a wallet card. Use it to keep track of your blood pressure and cholesterol. Share the card with your doctor each time you go into the office. Over time, this may assist in lowering your risk of heart disease.

How To Use This Wallet Card

I Pull out the attached wallet card.

I Fold the card on the dotted lines. Your name should show on the outside. This card should fit easily in your wallet.

I Each time you take your blood pressure or have your cholesterol checked, write the date and results on the wallet card.

I Write all of the medicines you take on the wallet card.

I Always carry your wallet card with you.

I Make additional copies of this wallet card for future use.

I Review the wallet card with your doctor each time you go into the office.

Ask your doctor for more information, and visit the websites listed in the resources section. The websites have helpful information and tools you can use.

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You Can Lower Your Blood Pressure and Cholesterol

High blood pressure and high cholesterol are never "cured." They may be lowered with the help of your doctor. Here are some tips:

I Get at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. You can do this 10 minutes at a time. (Always check with your doctor before starting any exercise program.)

I Lose weight if you are overweight. (10 pounds can make a difference.)

I Eat foods that are low in salt and fat. Eat a lot of fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products.

I Don't smoke. If you smoke, pick a quit date and ask your doctor for help.

I If you drink alcoholic beverages, do so in moderation.

I Keep taking your medicine; changes should be made by your doctor and never by you alone.

I Track your blood pressure, cholesterol and medicines on the attached wallet card.

Other Tips for Reaching Your Goals

Lowering your blood pressure and cholesterol may take a lot of time. Be patient and stay on your treatment plan. Ask your family members for help. Your family will be happy you are taking steps to live a longer and healthier life. Here are some tips that will help you.

I Schedule regular follow-up visits with your doctor.

I Set realistic goals and write them down.

I Keep a written record of your blood pressure and cholesterol and share it with your doctor.

I Review your goals during each visit with your doctor.

I Remember to refill your prescription(s). Make a note on your calendar. Order and pick up your next refills before you are done with your medicine.

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Talking With Your Doctor

Your doctor is there to help you. To get the most out of your visits to the doctor:

I Make a list of questions, symptoms and concerns before you go to see your doctor.

I Take a family member or friend along -- they can help remind you of questions to ask or can write down the answers to your questions.

I Tell your doctor how you feel, what you are doing or not doing to improve your health, and about any problems you may be having.

I Bring a list of all your medicines with you when you go to the doctor's office. This includes medicine and vitamins you get without a prescription.

Every time you talk with a doctor or nurse, use the "Ask Me 3TM" questions below to better understand your health. These questions were developed by the Partnership for Clear Health CommunicationTM. They were designed to help you talk with your doctor.

I What is my main problem?

I What do I need to do?

I Why is it important for me to do this?

Keep asking questions until you understand the answer.

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Information at Your Fingertips

Aetna NavigatorTM

Your secure Aetna member website, , gives you benefits and expert health information. See who is covered under your plan, review claim status, find health care professionals, and research health topics through Aetna InteliHealth? and the Healthwise? Knowledgebase (Health A ? Z). You can also send a secure e-mail to Aetna Member Services for benefits-related questions. If you don't have Internet access, call the Member Services toll-free number on your ID card.

Patient Safety

The Leapfrog Group works to keep the public safe from medical mistakes. Select "Hospital Survey Results" at to see patient safety results for your area.

Resources for More Information

Want to learn more about staying healthy and preventing disease? You can contact one of the organizations listed below for more information.

I American Heart Association --

I National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute -- nhlbi.index.htm

I The National Women's Health Information Center -- heart/ index.htm

I Ask Me 3TM --

This material is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer of coverage nor medical advice. Aetna does not provide health care services and cannot guarantee any results or outcomes. Aetna assumes no responsibility for any circumstances arising out of the use, or misuse, interpretation or application of any information supplied by Aetna InteliHealth. Information supplied in this material through Aetna InteliHealth is for informational purposes only, is not medical advice and is not intended to be a substitute for proper medical care provided by a physician. Members should consult their physician first regarding their health care needs.

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Heath Issues/Problems:

Known Allergies: (Foods, Medicines, Etc.)

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Medication Tips

Take your medicines as directed by your doctor. Here are some tips to help:

I Take your medications at the same time each day to make it part of your daily routine.

I Set a watch alarm to remind you when to take your medicine.

I Remember to refill your prescription. Make a note on your calendar to order and pick up the next refill one week before you should finish your medicine.

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Pharmacy Information

PHARMACY NAME PHARMACY ADDRESS CITY, STATE AND ZIP PHONE

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