Heart Disease
The term "heart disease" covers a number of cardiovascular conditions including myocarditis, atherosclerosis, angina, arrhythmia, congenital heart disease and more. Stemming from genetic predisposition, high blood pressure, hypertension, infections, abnormal heart valve function and heart rhythm, and narrowing of the arteries, heart disease eventually leads to heart attacks and stroke. Read more about this health condition and how it affects healthcare:
- Heart disease treatments
- Preventing cardiovascular disease
- Heart disease and problems obtaining health insurance
- Medical coverage options for people with heart problems
Treating Heart Disease
Depending upon the cause of heart disease, the treatment options will vary. If constriction of arteries is the issue then ACE inhibitors are a common treatment to widen the arteries. Anti-arrhythmic medications may be prescribes to normalize heart rhythms and anti-platelet medications are prescribed to prevent blood clots. Other common medications commonly used to combat heart disease include angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), aspirin, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, blood thinners, thrombolytics, Digoxin, water pills, vasodilators, and in severe cases, inotropic drugs.
Procedures and surgeries used when medications fail include angioplasty, stents, brachytherapy, bypass surgery, heart valve surgery, valvuloplasty, cardioversion, EECP, transmyocardial laser revascularization, pacemakers, debrillators, and more. All of these serve to help the heart do its job. In the most serious cases, heart transplant surgery may be necessary.
Are There Any Preventative Measures Which May Prevent Heart Disease?
There are a number of ways to help prevent the onset of heart disease. These include:
- Regular cardio exercise
- A diet low in fat and salt and high in fruits and vegetables
- No smoking
- Maintaining a healthy weight
Have your blood pressure tested regularly and learn how to get it under control if it's too high. Get tested for diabetes and your cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
How Might Heart Disease Affect My Ability to Get Health Insurance?
Heart disease is labeled by most health insurance providers as a pre-existing condition and in many cases, you may have to undergo a waiting period with new insurance before claims related to the problem will be covered. However, in some cases, if you are covered by your employer's health insurance policy and are no longer able to work due to the disease, then you may be eligible for state continuation or HIPAA-eligible to continue to be covered after employment ends no matter what the state of your health is.
What Insurance Options Are Available to Those Who Have Heart Disease?
If you have to undergo a waiting period or find yourself without enough coverage to pay your medical expenses, you may opt for supplemental insurance or a disease-specific policy that will help you pay for all medical claims pertaining to your heart disease.
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Last Updated : Friday, October 31, 2008