February marks American Heart Month, a nationwide reminder to pay closer attention to cardiovascular wellness. While many use this time to wear red in support of heart health awareness, it’s also an ideal moment to take practical steps that can safeguard your long-term well‑being. Heart disease remains the world’s leading cause of death, taking an estimated 17.9 million lives annually according to the World Health Organization. In the United States, the CDC notes that roughly one out of every three deaths is linked to heart disease.

Despite these sobering statistics, there is encouraging news: many heart-related conditions can be prevented. By combining healthy daily habits with the preventive benefits included in Medicare, you can take proactive steps that help protect both your heart and your overall health.

Building a Foundation of Prevention

Heart health begins with the choices you make each day. Regular activity, a nutritious diet, proper stress management, and restful sleep all contribute to a stronger cardiovascular system. When these routines are paired with Medicare’s preventive services, it becomes easier to stay informed, stay motivated, and stay ahead of potential concerns.

1. Screenings and Diagnostic Tests

Early detection plays a major role in preventing heart disease. Medicare Part B covers essential screenings — including cholesterol, triglyceride, and lipid panel tests every five years — that help identify cardiovascular risks early on. It also includes blood pressure and diabetes screenings, both of which are closely tied to heart health.

If you already live with heart disease or face elevated risk factors, your doctor may recommend more frequent testing. In many cases, Medicare will help cover these additional evaluations. Understanding your health numbers gives you the opportunity to make timely changes and seek appropriate treatment before issues escalate.

2. Support for Healthy Behavioral Changes

Medicare doesn’t just focus on detecting concerns — it can also help you improve your daily habits. Each year, Medicare covers one cardiovascular behavioral therapy session. During this appointment, your provider can assess your diet, exercise habits, and medications, offering personalized guidance to help you lower your heart disease risk. This tailored support makes it easier to stay accountable and work toward long‑term wellness goals.

3. Resources to Help You Quit Smoking

Smoking remains one of the most preventable contributors to heart disease. Whether you’re enrolled in Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan, you have access to cessation counseling, approved medications, and supportive programs to help you quit. The benefits are meaningful — within a year of giving up smoking, your risk of heart attack drops significantly. For many people, this single decision becomes one of the most powerful steps toward a healthier life.

4. Cardiac Rehabilitation for Recovery and Strength

If you’ve experienced a serious heart-related event — such as a heart attack, bypass surgery, angioplasty, or valve replacement — Medicare provides coverage for both standard and intensive cardiac rehabilitation. These programs combine supervised exercise with counseling and regular medical oversight, helping you regain strength, rebuild endurance, and support your heart’s recovery. Participation in cardiac rehab is proven to reduce the likelihood of future complications, making it a valuable part of long-term heart care.

5. Hospital Care and Heart Procedures

For individuals requiring hospitalization, Medicare Part A offers coverage for inpatient care associated with cardiac events. This includes surgeries, recovery time, and services such as nursing care, meals, and semiprivate rooms after a qualifying hospital stay. Having this coverage in place provides peace of mind during what can be a challenging and vulnerable period.

6. Routine Wellness Visits and Ongoing Monitoring

Medicare Part B also includes an annual wellness visit — a simple but important opportunity to keep track of your heart health. During this appointment, your provider can review your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and other essential indicators. It’s also a chance to talk through preventive strategies or determine whether you need additional screenings.

Most Medicare beneficiaries can access this visit at no additional cost, making it an accessible way to stay proactive about your health throughout the year.

The Value of Preventive Care

Prioritizing preventive care and healthy habits is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk of heart disease. These efforts help identify concerns before they become serious and empower you to make decisions that support your long‑term well‑being. Because Medicare covers many of these preventive services, it becomes easier and more affordable to stay informed and stay protected.

Final Thoughts

Although heart disease is widespread, it is not unavoidable. By integrating healthy lifestyle choices with the coverage and preventive benefits available through Medicare, you can take meaningful steps toward protecting your heart. This American Heart Month, consider scheduling your wellness visit, reviewing the preventive services available to you, and committing to one small change that supports a stronger heart — not just in February, but all year long.