
Blog post
Optum Care Network – Utah and Landmark Health bring care to you at home.
Optum Care Network – Utah has teamed up with Landmark to deliver in-home medical care to members with multiple chronic conditions.
February is Heart Disease Awareness Month.
During Heart Disease Awareness month, we offer a short education on heart disease, common symptoms, risk factors, prevention, and treatment options.
What is heart disease?
The walls of the coronary arteries are normally smooth and elastic. Heart disease, also called coronary artery disease, occurs when cholesterol and fatty deposits (called plaque) build up on the inner walls of the arteries. This narrows the coronary arteries and makes is more difficult for blood to flow freely.
When the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart is reduced, you can experience chest pain or discomfort (angina). If the plaque ruptures, blood cells stick to the site of the injury and form blood clots. If a clot becomes large enough, it can block a coronary artery and cause a heart attack.
Symptoms of Heart Disease
Over time, heart disease can weaken the heart muscle and lead to congestive heart failure. With congestive heart failure, your heart can’t pump enough blood to meet your body’s needs. This may also lead to problems with the rate or rhythm of your heart (arrythmias).
Symptoms of heart disease range from no symptoms at all (silent heart disease), to chest pain or discomfort, to the acute heart attack symptoms, listed below.
Risk Factors for Heart Disease
Be aware of the risk factors of heart disease and reduce your risk when possible. Risk factors include:
Medications for heart disease
If you have heart disease, your doctor may prescribe medications for related conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure. Anti-platelet drugs such as aspirin or Plavix, beta blockers, or nitroglycerin may be recommended, especially if you have narrowing of the arteries or episodes of chest pain. There are also surgical options for treating heart disease.
Improving heart health
Prevention of heart events is important. You can improve your heart health by eating a healthy diet, doing regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and not smoking. Living a healthy lifestyle that includes good nutrition and managing stress can play a big role in avoiding heart disease.
If you have concerns about your heart health or would like to take steps to help prevent heart disease, talk to your doctor. Be sure to take all your prescribed medications and keep your appointments with your doctors and specialists.
Optum Care Network – Utah has teamed up with Landmark to deliver in-home medical care to members with multiple chronic conditions.
By: Chris Morris, MSPAS, PA-C, Behavioral Health Consultant
Home-based medical care may be the winning prescription for our growing senior population.