February marks American Heart Month, a national reminder to check in on our cardiovascular health and take small but meaningful steps toward long-term wellness. Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death worldwide, claiming millions of lives each year. Here in the United States, it accounts for roughly one out of every three deaths. While these numbers are concerning, many heart-related issues can be avoided with proactive care, smart lifestyle choices, and the preventive benefits included in Medicare.
By combining daily healthy habits with Medicare’s covered services, you can better understand your risk factors, detect concerns earlier, and stay on top of your overall heart health.
Healthy Habits Begin with Prevention
Everyday choices play a huge role in keeping your heart strong. Regular activity, a balanced and nutritious diet, consistent sleep, and effective stress management all contribute to healthier cardiovascular function over time. When paired with Medicare’s preventive offerings, these habits give you greater control over your long-term well-being.
1. Screenings and Tests
Early detection is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of heart disease. Medicare Part B covers lipid panel tests—such as cholesterol and triglyceride screenings—once every five years. It also covers routine blood pressure checks and diabetes screenings, which are essential indicators of cardiovascular risk. For individuals with existing heart conditions or elevated risk factors, physicians may recommend additional testing, which may also be covered under Medicare depending on medical necessity.
Knowing your latest numbers helps you and your doctor intervene sooner and establish a plan that supports better health outcomes.
2. Support for Lifestyle and Behavior Changes
Medicare offers one cardiovascular behavioral therapy session per year. During this appointment, your provider can assess your eating habits, physical activity, and medications. This session is designed to help you make practical adjustments that reduce risk factors and support healthier daily routines. For many individuals, that personalized guidance makes it easier to stay motivated and accountable.
3. Resources to Help You Quit Smoking
Smoking remains one of the most significant preventable contributors to heart disease. Both Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans include coverage for smoking cessation counseling, structured quit programs, and certain prescription medications. Quitting can dramatically improve cardiovascular health—within a year, your risk of a heart attack drops substantially. For those who need support to stop smoking, these benefits offer a strong place to start.
4. Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs
If you have experienced a heart attack, undergone bypass surgery, had angioplasty, or received a valve replacement, Medicare covers various forms of cardiac rehabilitation. These programs blend supervised exercise with education, counseling, and medical monitoring. The structure helps patients regain strength, improve circulation, manage symptoms, and lower the likelihood of future cardiac events. For many individuals recovering from major heart procedures, this extra level of support is invaluable.
5. Inpatient Hospital Care and Heart-Related Procedures
Medicare Part A helps cover hospital stays related to cardiac events and surgeries. This includes semiprivate rooms, meals, nursing care, and additional necessary services during a qualifying inpatient stay. Having this coverage in place provides a safety net during critical moments when specialized care and recovery support are essential.
6. Annual Wellness Visits and Ongoing Monitoring
Your annual wellness visit, fully covered under Medicare Part B, offers another opportunity to keep track of your heart health. During this appointment, your provider can evaluate key indicators such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and overall cardiovascular risk. They may also recommend preventive screenings or lifestyle changes tailored to your needs.
Because most Medicare plans cover this visit at no cost, it’s an easy and accessible way to stay ahead of potential problems.
Why Preventive Care Matters
Heart disease can often be managed—or even prevented—with a thoughtful combination of routine screenings, medical guidance, and intentional lifestyle choices. Preventive care not only helps identify concerns earlier but also empowers you to make informed decisions about your health. Medicare’s range of covered services makes these steps more accessible and encourages a proactive approach to heart wellness.
Final Thoughts
While heart disease remains a widespread concern, it is far from unavoidable. By staying active, eating well, managing stress, and taking advantage of the preventive benefits built into Medicare, you can strengthen your heart health throughout the year. This American Heart Month, consider scheduling your wellness visit, reviewing your Medicare coverage, and committing to one small change that supports a healthier heart—today and in the months ahead.