Skip to Main Content

On June 20, 2024, UnitedHealth Group issued a press release offering an update on the Change Healthcare cybersecurity incident that occurred on Feb. 21, 2024. While the investigation to determine whose data is impacted is not yet complete, UnitedHealth Group has started the process to notify impacted customers and shared a website that provides additional information. UnitedHealth Group continues to offer credit monitoring and identity protection services, as well as a dedicated contact center to address questions. You can learn more about the support resources by visiting Change Healthcare Cyberattack Support and/or by reaching out to the contact center at 1-866-262-5342 with 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 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.

  • 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.