Heart disease

Let’s talk about caring for your heart

Caring for your heart can be a big step forward for your health. Knowing what heart disease is and how it works may help you on your way. Because it may be possible to prevent heart disease.1 And it may be in reach for you.

What’s at the heart of heart disease?

Let’s explore what heart disease actually is. The most common type of heart disease is coronary heart disease (CHD). CHD means the arteries in the heart can't deliver enough oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. This is typically due to narrowing of the arteries from a buildup of plaque.1

Here's the good news — there are ways to take charge. With small changes, you may stabilize or perhaps improve some of the causes of heart disease.1

What are the symptoms of heart disease?

Sometimes CHD is “silent.” This means you might not notice any symptoms until you have a heart attack or other problem. Because it can be hard to spot, it’s important to try to prevent heart disease.

CHD usually takes years to develop. When plaque builds in your heart’s arteries, it makes them narrow. This can cause:

  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Neck pain when you’re active

These symptoms often go away when you rest and come back when you move or feel stressed. As more plaque builds up, symptoms can get worse.

If you feel chest pain or discomfort while resting or if it won’t go away, it could mean you’re having a heart attack. Any chest pain should be checked by a doctor.

What are the signs of a heart attack?

The most common sign of a heart attack for both women and men is pain or discomfort in the center of the chest. This pain can be mild or strong. It may last for several minutes, or it might stop and then come back.3

The more signs of a heart attack you have, the more likely it is you are having one. If you have had a heart attack before, your symptoms might be different the next time. If you think you might be having a heart attack, call 911 right away — even if you are not sure.3

Signs of a heart attack in men

  • Chest pain in the center or left side of the chest
  • Pain in one or both arms, the back, shoulders, neck, jaw or above the belly button
  • Shortness of breath, especially with activity
  • Sweating for no reason
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat4

Signs of a heart attack in women

Women may have different signs of a heart attack than men. They may not always feel chest pain. Instead, women can have:3

  • Back, neck, jaw or throat pain
  • Heartburn or indigestion
  • Feeling nauseous
  • Throwing up
  • Feeling very tired
  • Having trouble breathing

Women often have heart attacks without clear signs. These are called silent heart attacks. It is important for all women to know their risk for heart attack and talk to their provider about it.3

Check in with your doctor

Help may be in reach if you have symptoms of heart disease. Talk to your doctor or health care provider. The sooner you get help for heart disease and learn ways to make positive changes, the better you may feel.

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Questions to ask your doctor about heart disease

Here are a few sample questions you might want to ask your doctor about heart disease.

  • What should my blood pressure be? How often should it be checked?

  • What should my cholesterol and triglyceride levels be? How often should they be checked?

  • What should my blood sugar level be? How often should it be checked?

  • What other screening tests for heart disease do I need?

  • What’s a healthy weight and waist measurement for me?

  • What lifestyle changes would you suggest for me?

  • Can you suggest any resources that could help me lose weight or stop smoking?

  • How often should I see you for a wellness checkup?

Did you know there are many types of heart disease?

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is an umbrella term for different conditions.6 Each type of heart disease has its own risks and concerns. Knowing each type may help you watch out for signs.

Type of heart disease  Risk and concerns
CHD or coronary artery disease (CAD) The most common type of heart disease, CHD or CAD may result in:6
  • Atherosclerosis, causing narrowing of the arteries
  • A blood clot forming, blocking the flow of blood
  • A blockage, which can cause a heart attack or stroke
Heart failure

Heart failure means the heart:6

  • Hasn’t stopped beating, but it isn’t pumping blood as well as it should
  • Can’t give the body the blood and oxygen it needs

Heart failure can get worse if you don't treat it.
Arrhythmia

Arrhythmia is when there's a problem with the rate or rhythm of the heartbeat. It can cause problems such as:7

  • The heart beats too slow or too fast
  • The heart can't work as well to bring blood to the lungs, brain and other organs

Poor blood flow can cause organ damage or failure
Peripheral artery disease (PAD)

If heart valves have problems, it can affect circulation. Problems include:6

  • Stenosis reduces blood flow to the aorta and through the rest of the body
  • Regurgitation is when the heart valves don’t close properly blood leaks through

Prolapse is when the heart's valves become floppy, often causing a clicking sound or murmur

Know the risk factors for heart disease

With heart disease, there are some risk factors that may be adjusted through healthy lifestyle changes — and some that cannot be changed.8

Physical- and health-related factors

  • Age (higher risk for women over age 55 and men over age 45)
  • Family history of early heart disease
  • History of preeclampsia during pregnancy
  • Heart-related conditions, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure
  • Medical conditions, such as kidney disease, diabetes, HIV/AIDS and sleep disorders
  • Mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Lifestyle habits, such as drinking too much alcohol, smoking, being physically inactive or unhealthy eating
  • Some racial or ethnic groups are more likely to get heart disease, including Black, Native American, Asian, Pacific Islander and Hispanic people8

Social, environmental and workplace factors

  • Stressors from social drivers of health, such as education, economic instability and limited access to health care
  • Indoor or outdoor air pollution, including smoke from wildfires
  • Working long hours or night shifts
  • Exposure to toxins, radiation or secondhand smoke at work
  • Experiencing racism, violence or harassment on the job8

3 facts to know about heart disease

  1. Heart diseases are the leading cause of death for both women and men.9
  2. Heart disease claims an estimated 17.9 million lives worldwide each year.10
  3. It may lead to potentially deadly health problems like a heart attack or stroke.

Learn about heart disease management programs from UnitedHealthcare

For eligible members, UnitedHealthcare provides several heart disease management programs, for conditions including coronary artery disease, heart failure disease and congenital heart disease. If you think you might be eligible, call the number on your health plan ID card and talk with a representative.

Learn more about heart health

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