Managing High Blood Pressure: Practical Steps and Support for Better Heart Health

High blood pressure often has no obvious symptoms, but the damage it causes is very real. Left untreated, it can quietly harm your heart, arteries, kidneys, vision, and overall circulation.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 48% of U.S. adults (over 100 million people) have high blood pressure, and only about one in four of those adults have it under control. That means millions of people may be living at higher risk for heart attack, stroke, and other serious health conditions without even realizing it. 

The good news is that high blood pressure is manageable. Small lifestyle changes combined with the right medical care can make a powerful difference. If you use your benefits to their fullest potential, taking care of your health won’t come at a high cost:

• Know your numbers. Schedule a blood pressure check with your primary care physician (PCP) to discuss what your readings mean for you and establish a care plan to get you on track to better health.
• Receive your medications by mail. If you have high blood pressure and are currently taking a maintenance medication, register for Birdi (MedImpact’s mail-order service) to get a 90-day supply of your prescription sent to your home free of charge!
• Connect with a Coach. Through UMR’s Care Management program, you can connect with a health coach who’ll help you establish personal goals and adhere to a healthy heart treatment plan. Note: You may be invited to join this program if your condition is identified as high risk, but you can choose to self-enroll by contacting UMR at 866-575-2540.
• Download the MedEmpower Fuel App. Learn to build healthier eating habits, engage in nutrition-based strategies, receive coaching for sustainable weight loss, and more with MedEmpower Fuel’s Clinical Condition Management Programs. 
• Talk it out. Reducing chronic stress and anxiety is good for your mind (and heart!), so connect with a therapist through Talkspace. The mental health platform is available anytime, anywhere for you to speak with a licensed therapist via private messaging or live video sessions.

Your heart works hard for you every day; it’s time to give it some love. For more information on your benefits, visit uasys.edu/benefits.