Spotlight on Women’s Heart Health: What Medicare Beneficiaries Need to Know

February is American Heart Month, a perfect time to raise awareness and take control of your cardiovascular health. Heart disease is often thought of as a man’s disease, but the truth is, it’s the leading cause of death for women in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately one in five female deaths is due to heart disease (1). Despite this alarming statistic, many women remain unaware of their risk factors or how to access the care they need to stay heart-healthy.

As someone deeply passionate about women’s health, this is a cause close to my heart. In 2021, I had the honor of being named the American Heart Association’s Blair Go Red for Women "Woman of Impact" for my work raising awareness and funds for the fight against heart disease and stroke. Alongside an incredible team of women, we raised over $12,000 for this life-saving mission. (If you want to support this year’s American Heart Association “Woman of Impact Campaign,” visit AHA Woman of Impact, Blair County.)

For women enrolled in Medicare, there are numerous resources and benefits available to support cardiovascular health. In this post, we’ll discuss the unique challenges women face when it comes to heart health, the key Medicare benefits that can help, and tips for living a heart-healthy lifestyle.

Why Women Need to Pay Attention to Heart Health

Despite how prevalent heart disease is among women, many will often chalk up the symptoms to less life-threatening conditions such as acid reflux, the flu or normal aging.

Many women think the signs of a heart attack are unmistakable. But the signs may not be obvious and might be confusing. Even when the signs are subtle, the outcomes can be deadly, especially if the person doesn’t get help right away. Signs may include:

• Shortness of breath

• Nausea or vomiting

• Back or jaw pain

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

The most common heart attack symptom among men and women is chest pain or discomfort and some women will experience upper back pressure that feels like squeezing or a rope being tied around them. Women may have other symptoms that are typically less associated with heart attack, such as anxiety, shortness of breath, upset stomach, pain in the shoulder, back or arm and unusual tiredness and weakness  

Because these symptoms can be mistaken for other conditions, women may delay seeking treatment, leading to worse outcomes. In addition, hormonal changes during menopause can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, making prevention and early detection even more critical (2).

How Medicare Supports Women’s Heart Health

The good news is that Medicare provides many benefits to help women monitor and manage their heart health. Here are some key services:

• Cardiovascular Screenings

  • Medicare Part B covers a cardiovascular disease screening every 5 years. This screening checks cholesterol, lipid levels, and triglycerides to assess heart health risks. Women should take advantage of this no-cost service, as early detection can prevent serious complications.

• Nutrition Counseling

  • Many Medicare beneficiaries don’t realize that Part B covers medical nutrition therapy (MNT) for people with conditions like diabetes or kidney disease. This counseling can help women make heart-healthy dietary changes, such as reducing sodium and increasing fiber.

• Preventive Services

  • Medicare also covers preventive services that contribute to overall heart health, including blood pressure screenings during routine doctor visits and obesity screenings / counseling, which are essential for managing weight—a key factor in heart health.

• Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs

  • For women who have experienced a heart attack, heart surgery, or heart failure, Medicare covers cardiac rehabilitation programs. These programs include supervised exercise, education on heart-healthy living, and emotional support to help women recover and reduce their risk of future heart events.

• Prescription Drug Coverage

  • Medicare Part D helps cover the cost of medications commonly prescribed for heart disease, such as blood pressure medications, cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins), and blood thinners.

• Gym Memberships

  • Many Medicare Advantage Plans and Medigap plans include a yearly gym membership as part of their benefits package. Exercise is one of the most effective ways to manage and even reduce the risk of heart disease. It helps lower blood pressure, improve circulation, reduce cholesterol levels, and maintain a healthy weight—all key factors in heart health.

• Smoke Cessation Counseling

  • Medicare offers smoking cessation counseling to help you quit smoking. Smoking is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular problems, as it damages blood vessels, raises blood pressure, and increases cholesterol levels. Medicare covers up to 8 face-to-face counseling sessions in a 12-month period for individuals who use tobacco, giving women the tools and support they need to break free from this harmful habit.

Tips for Living a Heart-Healthy Life

While Medicare provides valuable support, women can take additional steps to protect their hearts:

• Eat a Balanced Diet

  • Prioritize heart-healthy foods, including plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. It's important to limit your intake of sodium, added sugars, and saturated fats to support overall heart health. A few years ago, I had the opportunity to team up with Chef Tom Schilling at the Blair County Convention Center. We had a blast creating a delicious and heart-healthy recipe: Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs paired with refreshing Cantaloupe Sorbet. You can watch the video below for the full recipe—enjoy!

• Stay Active

  • Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. Walking, swimming, and yoga are great options for seniors.

• Manage Stress

  • Chronic stress can take a toll on your heart. Consider activities like meditation, deep breathing, or spending time with loved ones to reduce stress.

• Know Your Numbers

  • Keep track of your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and weight. Regular check-ups with your doctor can help you stay on top of these key indicators.

Resources for Women’s Heart Health

For more information and support, check out these trusted resources:

• American Heart Association (AHA): Offers education and tools for heart health, including the Go Red for Women campaign. Visit www.goredforwomen.org.

• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS): Learn more about Medicare’s preventive services at www.medicare.gov.

• WomenHeart: A nonprofit organization focused on supporting women living with heart disease. Visit www.womenheart.org.

Take Control of Your Heart Health Today

Heart disease doesn’t have to define your future. By taking advantage of Medicare’s benefits and making heart-healthy choices, you can reduce your risk and lead a vibrant, healthy life. If you’re a Medicare beneficiary or caregiver, make sure to schedule a cardiovascular screening or talk to your doctor about ways to protect your heart. Your heart is worth it!

1 US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

2 American Red Cross Go Red for Women

Care Compass is an independent insurance agency that helps seniors navigate the complexities of Medicare and other Senior Products. Our services are offered at NO COST! Care Compass is proudly owned and operated in Blair County, Pennsylvania. We provide Medicare insurance assistance to the residents of Altoona, Hollidaysburg, Duncansville and the surrounding region. If you need assistance with Medicare, contact Care Compass today!