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On April 22, 2024, UnitedHealth Group issued a press release, providing an update on the Change Healthcare cybersecurity incident that occurred on Feb. 21, 2024. Given the size of the data impacted, the investigation to determine whose data is impacted is expected to take several months. UnitedHealth Group believes this situation will impact “a substantial proportion of people in America” and is offering immediate credit monitoring and identity protection services, as well as a dedicated contact center to address questions. Visit Change Healthcare Cyberattack Support and/or reach out to the contact center at 1-866-262-5342 regarding any questions.

Cardiovascular Disease Guide

 

According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease refers to several conditions:

  • Heart disease: A condition that develops when a substance called plaque builds in the arterial walls. This build-up can narrow the arteries, making it harder for blood to flow through them. If a blood clot forms, it can block the blood flow completely. This can cause a heart attack or stroke.
  • Heart attack: Occurs when blood flowing to a part of the heart is blocked by a blood clot.
  • Stroke: Occurs when a blood vessel feeding the brain is blocked, usually by a blood clot.
  • Heart failure: This occurs when the heart isn’t pumping blood as well as it should be. The heart keeps working but isn’t meeting the body’s need for blood and oxygen.
  • Arrhythmia: Abnormal heart rhythm. There are several types of arrhythmias: The heart can beat too slow, too fast, or irregularly.

 

You can lower your risk for heart disease by adopting a healthy lifestyle: Quit smoking, exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight. Eat a heart-healthy diet by increasing your intake of vegetables and lean proteins while limiting salt and sugar. A healthy, active lifestyle will also help if you have been diagnosed with diabetes, high cholesterol and/or high blood pressure, the most common risk factor for heart disease.

You should also learn how to reduce your stress. People cope with stress in many ways: They may eat unhealthy foods, overeat, smoke, drink alcohol — or engage in several of these behaviors. All of these can increase heart health risks. Stress can also cause a short-term rise in blood pressure and heart rate.

To reduce stress, practice daily relaxation:

  • Make time for yourself each day with a book or music. You could also watch the sunset or do anything that gives you a sense of peace and calm.
  • Engage in your favorite exercise to reduce tension.
  • Practice time management: Give yourself enough time to get things done and save yourself from the stress of rushing.
  • Keep a sense of humor. If you can laugh at yourself and your day-to-day life, you’ll be happier and healthier.
  • Try deep breathing or meditation. Libraries and bookstores offer audio files or CDs that can help you relax.
  • Use your imagination: When you feel stress, stop what you’re doing and imagine a peaceful scene to calm yourself.
  • Identify your triggers and plan to avoid, or prepare, for those triggers.
  • Limit situations with relatives or friends that can turn into arguments and stressful encounters.
  • Practice letting go of small issues that cause you stress.
  • Find ways to remind yourself to use your stress-coping resources when you feel your stress levels are rising.
  • If you need more help and ideas, join a support group. Sharing problems with others can help.

 

Treatment plans vary depending on your symptoms and what type of cardiovascular disease you have. Cardiovascular disease treatment can include:

  • Lifestyle changes: This includes changing your diet, increasing exercise and quitting smoking or reducing alcohol use.
  • Medications: Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications such as statins to help manage cardiovascular disease.
  • Medical procedures/surgeries: If medication isn’t enough, your healthcare provider may ask you to undergo a medical procedure or surgery.
  • Cardiac rehabilitation: A monitored exercise program can help your heart get stronger.
  • Active surveillance: Your condition may need careful monitoring over time without medications or procedures/surgeries.

 

Benefits

  • Cardiovascular Services: Treats the heart and circulatory system.
  • Transplant Services: Includes all surgeries and pre- and postsurgical care.
  • Home Health Services: Nursing services and medical assistance provided in your home to help you manage or recover from a medical condition, illness or injury.

Rewards

  • Weight Loss Health Coaching Sessions: Age 10 years and up. Must submit a consent form, verbally pledge to lose weight within 30 days and complete 6 sessions within 6 months. Earn $20. 
  • Tobacco Cessation Health Coaching Sessions: Age 10 years and up. Must submit a consent form, verbally pledge to stop tobacco use and complete all 4 sessions within 6 months of the first session. $5 reward after each completed session. Earn up to $20.

Learn more about Healthy Rewards.  

 

  • Mended Hearts: The world’s largest peer-to-peer support network for cardiovascular disease patients. Mended Hearts supports all cardiovascular disease patients and recognizes the growing valve disease patient population.
  • The American Heart Association: This nonprofit provides support networks for individuals dealing with a heart attack or stroke. Their community of survivors and caregivers offers continued support.
  • Sunshine Health Community Resource Database: Find more free resources through Sunshine Health’s Community Resource Database. Enter your ZIP code to search for help with food, shelter, healthcare, money, school, jobs and more.
  • Sunshine Health offers Case Management for care coordination needs and support with the management of your condition.

 

Call Member Services at 1-866-796-0530 (TTY: 1-800-955-8770) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern.