Heart disease affects millions of seniors on Medicare. February is American Heart Month, so take this month to make a pledge to take care of your heart. Here are some heart tips and facts.
Medicare $0 Cardiovascular Screening
Medicare offers many $0 preventive services including cardiovascular screenings. This service is available to seniors 65 and over every 5 years. The screening includes tests to help detect heart disease early and measures cholesterol, blood fat (lipids), and triglyceride levels. Click here to see other $0 Medicare Preventive care.
The Scary Heart News
Heart disease is the number one killer of men and women in the United States, with more than 1 Mil people having a heart attack each year. Half of those die, and half of those who die do so before reaching the hospital. Many times this happens because the person plays down their symptoms. So be hyper aware and call 911 immediately if you believe you or your loved one is having a heart attack.
The Good Heart News
The good news is heart attacks can be preventable. With the screening you can lower your chances by changing your eating, drinking, smoking, and exercise habits. And if you happen to have a heart attack there is excellent medical care and many people live years, even decades after their heart attack. So it’s not over just because of a heart problem.
Expense of a Heart Attack
This actual expense of a heart attack after 65 is based on you Medicare 2014 at a glance costs. According to the NY Times these numbers can add up. The average cardiovascular patient who is a Medicare recipient pays $37,996 in out of pocket costs in the last five years of their lives.
The good news is Medigap plans may reduce these out of pocket Medicare costs. But better yet, prevent it before you have to pay any of those costs. Did you know Medicare helps you quit smoking?
To learn more about cardiovascular and other screenings and services available with Medicare call the number above or contact Senior65.com.