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Coronary Artery Disease

Living with coronary artery disease
What you should know

The disease management/wellness program for coronary artery disease (CAD) is free to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma and BlueLincs HMO members who want to achieve better heart health. As part of the program, members can receive:

  • Educational materials
  • Contact with a nurse case manager (for those at high risk)
  • Coordination with the member's doctor

E-mail us for more information on the CAD disease management/wellness program or call toll-free 1-866-670-6681.

FEP members e-mail here or call toll-free at 1-800-388-4673.

About coronary artery disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the buildup of cholesterol or plaque in the blood vessels. As the plaque accumulates, it reduces the flow of blood, which means less blood to your heart. A complete blockage can cause a heart attack. More than 30 percent of deaths in Oklahoma each year are attributed to heart disease or stroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

That’s the bad news. The good news is that there are ways to decrease your risk for CAD.

What are the causes of CAD?

The main factors that increase your risk of developing CAD are listed below and separated into two categories – things you can change and things you cannot change.

Things you can change to reduce your risk:

  • Stop smoking
  • Control high blood pressure
  • Lower cholesterol level
  • Maintain blood sugar level
  • Introduce exercise program
  • Manage stress
  • Maintain healthy weight
  • Avoid excessive alcohol intake
  • Maintain healthy diet

Other risk factors (things you cannot change):

  • A family history of CAD
  • Gender (men have a higher risk)
  • Age

Find more information about heart disease at these related Web sites:

Source: “What you should know about coronary heart disease” © 2002 Merck & Co., Inc.

The information provided on Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma's disease management/wellness pages is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or health care services.  Consult with your physician before undertaking any new treatment program, or if you have questions regarding care for a medical condition.