February is American Heart Month, a time to raise awareness about heart disease—the leading cause of death in the United States—and to encourage proactive steps towards better heart health. While it’s sobering that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death, the encouraging truth is that the vast majority of cases are preventable. At Solidarity HealthShare, we are committed to supporting our members on this journey, not just through education but also by providing access to healthcare services that prioritize prevention and holistic well-being.

Understanding Heart Disease: Beyond Cholesterol

For decades, cholesterol has been the focus in assessing heart disease risk. While it’s an important marker, cholesterol alone doesn’t tell the full story. In fact, many people with high cholesterol have no significant arterial plaque, while others with seemingly normal cholesterol levels can still experience heart attacks.

In the past, doctors primarily measured total cholesterol. Later, we differentiated between HDL (the “good” cholesterol) and LDL (the “bad” cholesterol). But science has advanced even further. Today, we know that:

• Small, dense LDL particles are far more harmful than larger LDL particles. These tiny particles can penetrate the arterial wall more easily, increasing the risk of plaque buildup and heart disease.
• ​Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is another key marker. Elevated Lp(a) levels significantly increase cardiovascular risk, requiring more frequent screenings and proactive interventions.
• Homocysteine levels should ideally be under 10 µmol/L. High homocysteine can damage the blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease. Nutrients like folate, vitamin B6, B12, and proper methylation support (available in green leafy vegetables or supplementation) help regulate these levels.
• C-reactive protein (CRP) is an inflammatory marker. Elevated CRP levels indicate inflammation, which can cause cholesterol to become trapped in the artery walls, leading to plaque formation.

Rethinking Heart Disease Screening

Traditional tests like the calcium score from a cardiac CT scan help identify stable, calcified plaques. However, current research highlights that “soft plaques” pose a greater risk. These soft plaques form when arterial walls are damaged—often from factors like high blood pressure, smoking, or elevated blood sugar—and the body attempts to “patch” the injury with cholesterol.

If you’re concerned about your heart health, consider discussing a Coronary CT Angiogram (CCTA) with your healthcare provider. This advanced imaging test can detect soft plaques and provide a clearer picture of your coronary artery health.

A Holistic Plan to Reduce Atherosclerosis

Heart health is about more than just numbers on a lab report. It’s about creating a lifestyle that reduces inflammation, protects your arteries, and supports overall well-being. Here’s how you can take charge:

1. ​Schedule Regular Check-Ups
   Preventive care is crucial. Primary care visits are eligible for sharing under the Solidarity ONE program, even before meeting your Annual Unshared Amount (AUA). Regular screenings help catch issues early, when they’re most treatable.
2. ​​Adopt a Heart-Healthy Diet
   The Mediterranean diet—rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats like olive oil—has been shown to reduce heart disease risk. It’s not about strict restrictions but making daily nourishing choices.
3. ​Stay Physically Active
   Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. Activities like walking, cycling, swimming, or even gardening can boost heart health, improve circulation, and reduce stress.
4. ​Eliminate Harmful Habits
   Quit smoking. Cigarette smoke damages artery walls, leading to plaque formation. If you need support, Solidarity offers access to counseling services or Solidarity Well to help you succeed.
5. ​Manage Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar
   High blood pressure and elevated glucose levels silently damage arteries over time. Regular monitoring, medication when necessary, and lifestyle changes can keep these in check.
6. ​Support Vessel Health with Antioxidants
   Antioxidant-rich foods like berries, leafy greens, and nuts help protect blood vessels from oxidative stress, reducing the risk of arterial damage.
7. ​​Maintain a Healthy Weight
   Even modest weight loss can significantly reduce heart disease risk factors like hypertension, high cholesterol, and insulin resistance.

Heart Health Is a Lifelong Journey

Heart disease prevention isn’t about focusing on a single number or quick fix—it’s about adopting a comprehensive approach to health and wellness. 

If you’re concerned about your heart health, don’t wait. Schedule a primary care appointment today—remember, it’s eligible for sharing through Solidarity ONE. And consider discussing more advanced screenings, like the Coronary CT Angiogram, with your provider if you have multiple risk factors.

Together, we can build healthier hearts. Your heart matters—to you, your loved ones, and to us.

In Solidarity,