Start with your heart for better health
Your heart works hard for you — discover 7 proven tips for taking care of it in return.
Caring for your heart and managing diabetes often go hand in hand. The good news: Small steps toward better heart health can help you manage diabetes, too. And it doesn't have to feel hard — you can get started today with seven science-backed tips.
1. Stay on top of screenings
Some heart problems can show up in unexpected places. This includes your teeth and your eyes. For example, gum disease has been linked to a higher risk of stroke. And conditions like high blood pressure can cause changes your eye care provider can see in the blood vessels at the back of the eye.
The good news? Seeing your dentist and eye care provider regularly for checkups can help you watch for warning signs of heart-related issues.
2. Know your test readings
You’ve likely had your heart rate and blood pressure checked during a provider’s visit. But do you know what the numbers mean? Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Heart rate. This is the number of times your heart beats per minute. Understanding normal ranges, factors that influence heart rate and when to seek medical attention can help you monitor your heart and take actions to maintain its well-being. For most healthy adults*:
- Resting heart rate should be between 60 and 100 beats per minute.
- Target heart rate ranges from 60 percent to 85 percent of your maximum heart rate.
- Your maximum heart rate should be 220 minus your age.
- Blood pressure. This measures how hard your blood pushes against your artery walls. A healthy reading is less than 120/80.
The top number measures pressure when your heart beats. The bottom number measures pressure when your heart rests between beats.*
- Blood glucose. Blood sugar levels are important for your heart and overall health, especially if you have diabetes or are at risk for it. If you have diabetes, aim for a blood glucose level of under 140 mg/dL.*
If you learn your numbers are out of range, talk to your primary care provider (PCP) about next steps. Keeping track of your statistics and knowing what they mean can help you and your provider spot changes and act early.
You can monitor your blood glucose right from home. Your plan covers diabetic supplies like blood glucose monitors, lancets and test strips. To learn more, call the number on your member ID card or check your Evidence of Coverage (EOC). Remember to keep a log of your readings to share with your provider — and call them if you notice anything unusual.
Get the support you may need to manage your care
Your plan offers an added layer of support: a personal care team that can help you coordinate your care and get the community services and resources you may need. Call us at the number on your member ID card for more information.
3. Watch for related health risks
Certain chronic conditions, like diabetes and many types of heart disease, share risk factors. In fact, having diabetes doubles the risk of developing a heart condition.* This is because high blood sugar can damage blood vessels and nerves that control your heart.
That’s why it’s extra important to stay on top of your overall health. Talk to a provider if you’re having any symptoms that are out of the ordinary or if you're having trouble managing a chronic condition.
4. Recognize the symptoms
Heart problems don’t always look like they do in movies. It's important to know the signs of medical emergencies — like heart attacks and strokes — so you can get help as soon as possible.
For men, the most common signs of a heart attack include:*
- Chest pain or pressure
- Pain spreading to arm, back, neck or jaw
For women, symptoms might look like:*
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue or weakness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Pain in back, neck or jaw
If you notice new or unusual symptoms, don’t wait to get help. Call 911 right away. Fast treatment can save your life.
A stroke is another serious condition where blood stops flowing to the brain.
To spot the warning signs, remember the acronym F.A.S.T.*
- F: Facial drooping (Does one side of the face droop or is it numb?)
- A: Arm weakness (Is one arm too weak to lift?)
- S: Slurred speech (Is it difficult to talk?)
- T: Time (Call 911 as quickly as possible.)
Need help paying for certain everyday expenses?
Get added support through your Aetna® Medicare Extra Benefits Card. Use your monthly allowance to help pay for certain everyday expenses like over-the-counter (OTC) products, healthy foods, utilities, transportation and more.
5. Find the right care
Having the right providers and pharmacy can help keep your heart healthy. Start by finding an in-network PCP you trust. They will help you keep an eye on your blood pressure, cholesterol and other heart health factors. Search for an in-network provider at AetnaMedicare.com/FindProvider.
Also find an in-network pharmacy you trust and try to use the same one every time. This helps the pharmacy keep track of your medicines and make sure they work safely together. And you can save money by using an in-network pharmacy — find one at AetnaMedicare.com/FindPharmacy.
Don't hesitate to ask your PCP or pharmacist questions about your health and medicines. Both are there to support your health care needs.
6. Get a good night's rest
Sleep is when your body recharges and heals. Getting at least seven hours of good sleep each night helps your heart rest and recover.*
On the flip side, not getting enough sleep can raise your risk of high blood pressure, heart attack and high blood sugar. It also makes it harder for your heart to relax.
If you have trouble sleeping, try going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. And keep your bedroom dark, quiet and cool to make falling asleep easier. Healthy sleep habits like these help train your body to relax and drift off when it’s time to rest.
Get the support you may need to manage your care
Your plan offers an added layer of support: a personal care team that can help you coordinate your care and get the community services and resources you may need. Call us at the number on your member ID card for more information.
7. Choose healthy daily habits
Little habits throughout the day play a big role in protecting your heart and managing your chronic conditions. Here are some to build into your regular routine:
- Stay hydrated. Water helps your heart pump blood all over your body. Being dehydrated can make your heart work harder and raise your heart rate. Try to sip water throughout the day, even when you’re not thirsty.
- Find calm. Some stress is a normal part of life, but too much can affect your heart. When you're stressed, your body releases hormones that can raise your blood pressure and heart rate. Over time, this can increase your risk of heart diseases. If you're feeling stressed, try taking deep breaths, listening to music or doing other activities that help you feel calm.
Quit tobacco and vaping products. If you use any tobacco, nicotine or vaping products, talk with your provider about ways to quit. These products can damage blood vessels, spike blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease.
Your plan covers smoking- and tobacco-cessation programs, including counseling sessions. Check your Evidence of Coverage (EOC) at AetnaMedicare.com/Login for details about covered services.
- Move your body. Regular exercise strengthens your heart and lowers your risk of many chronic diseases. Aim for at least 2.5 hours of moderate exercise per week (like brisk walking).* Even short, 10-minute walks throughout the day add up.
Remember: Talk to your provider before making any changes to your exercise or eating habits.
*FOR HEART RATE: Cleveland Clinic. Heart rate Accessed December 11, 2025.
*FOR BLOOD PRESSURE READINGS: American Heart Association. Understanding blood pressure readings. Accessed December 11, 2025.
*FOR BLOOD GLUCOSE: Mayo Clinic. Diabetes. Accessed December 11, 2025.
*FOR DIABETES AND HEART HEALTH: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Diabetes and your heart. Accessed December 11, 2025.
*FOR HEART ATTACK SYMPTOMS: American Heart Association. Warning signs of a heart attack. Accessed December 11, 2025.
*FOR STROKE SIGNS: American Heart Association. Heart attack, stroke and cardiac arrest symptoms. Accessed December 11, 2025.
*FOR SLEEP: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About sleep and your heart health. Accessed December 11, 2025.
*FOR EXERCISE: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Adult activity: An overview. Accessed December 11, 2025.
See Evidence of Coverage for a complete description of plan benefits, exclusions, limitations and conditions of coverage. Plan features and availability may vary by service area.
This material is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Health information programs provide general health information and are not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician or other health care professional. Contact a health care professional with any questions or concerns about specific health care needs. Providers are independent contractors and are not agents of Aetna. Provider participation may change without notice. Aetna is not a provider of health care services and, therefore, cannot guarantee any results or outcomes. The availability of any particular provider cannot be guaranteed and is subject to change. Information is believed to be accurate as of the production date; however, it is subject to change. For more information about Aetna plans, refer to our website.
The formulary and/or pharmacy network may change at any time. You will receive notice when necessary.
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