Heart Health and Medicare: What to Know This American Heart Month

February marks American Heart Month, a national reminder to pause, wear red, and focus on habits that support long-term cardiovascular health. Heart disease continues to be the world’s leading cause of death, taking an estimated 17.9 million lives annually, according to the World Health Organization. Here in the United States, the CDC notes that roughly one out of every three deaths is linked to heart disease.

While the numbers are staggering, there is encouraging news: many heart-related conditions can be prevented. By pairing healthy daily choices with the preventive care offered through Medicare, you can take intentional steps to protect your heart and enhance your overall wellness.

Healthy Habits Begin with Prevention

Small, consistent lifestyle choices can have a lasting impact on heart health. Regular physical activity, nutritious meals, adequate rest, and effective stress management all play a role in keeping your heart functioning at its best. When you combine these healthy habits with the preventive benefits included in Medicare, you create a strong foundation for long-term cardiovascular care.

1. Screenings and Tests

Identifying risk factors early is one of the most effective ways to prevent serious heart issues. Medicare Part B provides coverage for cholesterol panels, lipid screenings, triglyceride tests, and more every five years. It also covers blood pressure checks and diabetes screenings, which are vital indicators of cardiovascular risk. If your doctor determines you have a heightened risk or an existing heart condition, they may suggest more frequent testing that Medicare may also help cover.

Having access to these numbers empowers you to address concerns early and supports better long-term health outcomes.

2. Support for Lifestyle and Behavioral Changes

Medicare also includes coverage for one cardiovascular behavioral therapy session per year. During this visit, your doctor can review your medications, discuss your habits, and make recommendations tailored to your health needs. It’s an opportunity to receive guidance that can help you refine your diet, activity levels, and other lifestyle factors that contribute to heart health.

3. Smoking Cessation Resources

Smoking is one of the leading preventable contributors to heart disease. Both Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare offer support for quitting, covering counseling sessions, smoking cessation programs, and certain medications designed to help you stop. Within a year of quitting, your risk of a heart attack declines significantly. This makes smoking cessation one of the most meaningful steps you can take to protect your heart.

4. Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs

If you’ve experienced a major cardiac event — such as a heart attack, angioplasty, bypass surgery, or valve replacement — Medicare covers both standard and intensive cardiac rehab. These programs blend supervised exercise with counseling and education, providing a safe environment to rebuild strength, enhance circulation, and decrease the likelihood of future cardiac complications.

5. Coverage for Hospitalization and Cardiac Procedures

Medicare Part A helps pay for inpatient hospital services related to cardiac care, including necessary surgeries and recovery time. This often includes semiprivate rooms, meals, and nursing services after a qualifying hospital stay. Having this support ensures you receive the immediate and follow-up care needed during critical medical situations.

6. Annual Wellness Visits and Ongoing Prevention

Your yearly wellness visit — covered under Medicare Part B — is another essential tool in protecting your heart. These appointments give your healthcare provider a chance to monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol, and other important health markers. They can also recommend specialized screenings tailored to your individual risk factors.

Most Medicare plans offer this visit at no additional cost, making it an easy and impactful way to stay on top of your health.

Why Prevention Makes a Difference

Proactive care and attention to daily habits can significantly lower your chances of developing heart disease. Preventive services catch potential issues early, when they’re easier to treat, and provide valuable information to help you make informed health decisions. Medicare’s range of preventive benefits ensures these resources are accessible and affordable, giving you the tools you need to safeguard your health.

Final Thoughts

Heart disease may be common, but it’s not unavoidable. By embracing healthy routines and taking advantage of Medicare’s preventive coverage, you can make meaningful improvements to your heart health. This American Heart Month, consider scheduling your annual wellness visit, reviewing the preventive services available to you, and choosing one simple change that supports a stronger, healthier heart — not just in February, but all year long.