Your heart works nonstop. It’s always pumping blood, delivering oxygen and keeping you going. That’s why heart health matters. Here are 7 science-backed tips to help you take great care of it. 

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 heart attack and stroke. And conditions like high blood pressure can cause changes 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. 

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We’re excited to kick off another year with you. Our goal is to make managing your health a little easier — whether that’s answering your questions, offering support or helping you navigate your benefits and coverage. We’re here to support you at every step of your health journey.

Your plan covers regular visits with dental and vision providers. Taking advantage of these exams can help catch issues early and make treatment easier.

2. Know your numbers

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 appropriate actions to maintain its well-being. For most adults: 

  • Your resting heart rate should be between 60 and 100 beats per minute. 

  • Your target heart rate ranges from 50 to 70% 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. 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.

3. 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. Call 911 right away. Fast treatment can save your life. 

A stroke is another serious condition where blood stops flowing to the brain.  

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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.)

4. Find the right care

Having the right providers and pharmacy can help keep your heart healthy. Start by finding an in-network PCP that 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 AllinaHealthAetnaMedicare.com/FindProvider.

Find a pharmacy you trust, too, 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. You can find an in-network pharmacy at AllinaHealthAetnaMedicare.com/FindPharmacy.

Don't hesitate to ask your PCP or pharmacist questions about your health and medicines. Both are available to support your health care needs. 

5. Get a good night's rest

Sleep is when your body recharges and heals. Getting at least 7 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. Establishing healthy sleep habits like these help train your body to relax and drift off when it’s time to rest.

6. Choose healthy daily habits

Little habits throughout the day play a big role in protecting your heart. Here are some to build into your regular routine: 

• Stay hydrated. Water helps your heart pump blood throughout your system. 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 smoking. If you smoke, talk with your provider about ways to quit. Chemicals in tobacco can damage blood vessels, spike blood pressure and raise the risk of heart disease. 

• 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.

7. 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 and talk to a provider if you’re having any symptoms that are out of the ordinary.

Sources:

*FOR HEART RATE: Mayo Clinic. What's a normal resting 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 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.

*FOR DIABETES AND HEART HEALTH: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Diabetes and your heart. 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. Participating health care providers are independent contractors and are neither agents nor employees of Allina Health | Aetna. The availability of any particular provider cannot be guaranteed, and provider network composition is subject to change.

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