BlueChoice HealthPlan

Blood Pressure and Choloesterol

Great Expectations^® Get in Control! is an educational program for members who want to learn more about blood pressure and cholesterol and make lifestyle changes to manage these important cardiac risk factors. Taking charge of your blood pressure and cholesterol are two important steps to living a healthy lifestyle.

There are many benefits to participating:

• You’ll receive mailed educational materials, access to online education and reminders for needed care.
• Our staff of experienced health specialists – including cardiac nurses and health educators – is available to answer your questions and offer support.
• Depending upon your condition, you may receive phone calls from a health specialist to help you set personal health goals to manage your high blood pressure and cholesterol.

Online Educational Resources

• Step by Step to a Healthier You is a blood pressure management resource.
• My Life Check Assessment will help you identify simple steps to improve your heart health and quality of life.
• Create a heart-healthy action plan using 7 Simple Steps.

Here are important steps you can take to improve your heart health:

• Know your body mass index (BMI). BMI takes into account your height and weight and is a good indicator of whether your weight is in a healthy range or if you may be overweight or obese.
• Lose excess weight if you are overweight. Being overweight or obese can increase your risk for heart disease. If you need help with losing weight, check out the resources available through Great Expectations® Weight Management.
• Exercise regularly. Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight and lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Physical activity can strengthen your heart muscle, even if it’s just for 20-30 minutes on most days. Be sure to check with your doctor before starting any exercise program to discuss what type of exercise is best for you.
• Quit smoking. Smoking constricts your blood vessels and reduces the size of your arteries. This increases your risk for a heart attack. If you need help quitting smoking, check out the resources available through Great Expectations^® Quit Smoking.
• Control your blood pressure. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a major risk factor for heart disease. So it’s very important to keep it under control. Research has shown healthy lifestyle choices, along with medication, can lower blood pressure and may reduce the chance of stroke by 35-40 percent, heart attacks by 20-25 percent, and heart failure by more than 50 percent.
  • Under 120/80 – healthy blood pressure
  • Between 120/80 and 139/89 – prehypertension
  • 140/90 or above – high blood pressure (hypertension)
• Know your kidney count. Hypertension is the second leading cause of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Your kidney count is a test which tells you how well your kidneys are working to remove wastes and excess fluids from your blood.
• Control your cholesterol. High cholesterol is one of the major risk factors for developing heart disease. If your cholesterol level is high, you can usually lower it with a heart-healthy diet, exercise and, if needed, medication. Please have your cholesterol tested as ordered by your physician or other health care provider.
• Manage your stress. Prolonged stress can have many negative effects on your body. Learn more about how to manage stress at the online Stress Management Center.
• Limit alcohol intake. Alcohol intake may affect your heart health. Talk to your doctor about how much alcohol (if any) is okay for you.
• Keep your scheduled visits with your doctor or other health care professionals. Get your blood work and other tests done, as ordered. Take all your medications your doctor prescribes. Work with your doctor to get your LDL cholesterol under 100, if you have heart disease.
• Follow a heart healthy meal plan. Foods lower in fat and sodium are healthier for your heart. Use these resources for tips to help you choose delicious and satisfying foods that are also good for you!

Other Helpful Links

American Heart Association Nutrition Center
MyPlate
Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH)

Feedback

We value your feedback! If you have participated in the Great Expectations Get In Control! program, please take the program satisfaction survey.