Your heart health: How telehealth can help

Staying on top of your heart health can help you catch problems early. Learn how telehealth can make it easy to get care.

Telehealth is changing how people manage their heart health. Telehealth products, which you might also see called telemedicine or virtual care, are not insurance. With a telehealth membership program, you can check in with your provider and monitor symptoms — all from the comfort of your home.^1,2 This can help catch any medical issues early and keep your care on track.

With telehealth, you can:¹

Monitor for risk factors
Build healthy habits
Track blood pressure, symptoms and changes over time
Get connected to care between in-person visits

Here’s a closer look at how telehealth can support your heart health.

The role of telehealth in routine heart care

Managing your heart health goes beyond your regular checkups. This is especially true if you have conditions such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Telehealth can help you stay on top of your health in between in-person visits.^1,2

Remote blood pressure monitoring

Checking your blood pressure at home is an important part of managing your heart health. During a telehealth visit, you can share your readings with your doctor and review them together. This can give your care team a clearer picture of your health over time.^1,2

Cholesterol management

Lab results are another important part of heart health management.³ But you may not need an office visit to review them. During a telehealth visit, you can:

Talk through your numbers
Ask questions
Discuss lifestyle changes if your numbers are too high

Based on your results, your provider can suggest next steps during your virtual visit.

Medication management

Heart medications may need adjustments over time.⁴ Regular virtual check-ins help make sure your treatment is working as expected. If something feels off, you can talk with your provider and make changes sooner instead of waiting for your next in-person visit.

Track your blood pressure, review lab results and stay connected to your healthcare provider — all from home. Find a telehealth product that works for you.

Staying on track between in-person visits

Not all heart problems have obvious symptoms. And some symptoms may be easy to overlook. Telehealth visits offer a convenient way to check in with your provider when something feels off.

Early intervention

You might not think much of mild symptoms such as:

Fatigue (feeling tired)
Mild chest discomfort
A fluttering feeling in your chest

But even small changes in your overall health are worth discussing with your healthcare provider. They could be a sign of more advanced heart disease that requires further testing or treatment.

The “bridge” effect

Follow-up care is especially important after a hospital stay or heart-related procedure. Telehealth can act as a bridge between in-person visits, keeping you connected to your care team during recovery.

Side effect management

Sometimes a new medication may cause side effects. Examples of side effects from medication include:

Dizziness
Stomach upset
Nausea

Telehealth makes it easier to report these issues quickly. Your provider can review your symptoms and discuss options, such as adjusting your dosage or suggesting a different medication.

Explore telehealth products that can help you manage your heart health from home.

Prevention and long-term wellness

Telehealth is not only helpful for managing existing conditions — it can also support your long-term health. Staying aware of your risk factors and building healthy habits, such as regular exercise, can make a positive impact over time.

Screening follow-ups

Follow-up care is especially important if you have risk factors like:

High blood pressure
High cholesterol
A family history of heart disease

Telehealth can help you stay informed and keep your prevention plan up to date.

Lifestyle coaching

Heart health is not just about medications. Nutrition, movement and daily habits all play a role. Some telehealth services offer access to nutrition support or wellness programs to help you make changes that fit your lifestyle.

Mental health connection

Stress and anxiety can affect both your body and your heart. Telehealth can make it easier to access mental health support, whether through counseling or stress management tools. Taking care of your mental well-being is an important part of long-term heart health.

When to go in-person

Telehealth is a helpful tool, but it does not replace in-person care. Many types of care still need to happen face to face.

You may need to see a provider in person for:

Physical exams, such as listening to your heart and lungs.
Diagnostic tests like EKGs, echocardiograms or stress tests.
Emergency symptoms, including chest pain, pressure or trouble breathing. Call 911 right away if you experience any of these.⁵

Telehealth can help keep your health on track when used alongside in-person visits.

Getting started with telehealth

A little preparation can help you get the most out of each visit.

Before your appointment:

Write down any symptoms, even if they seem minor.
Have your blood pressure readings or other health data ready.
Make a list of medications and any side effects.
Prepare questions so you do not forget what you want to ask.

The bottom line: Telehealth can help you manage your heart health through virtual appointments. While it doesn’t replace in-person medical appointments, it can be a valuable part of your overall care.

Curious about how telehealth can support your overall health? Call 1-844-211-7730 to speak with a licensed insurance agent or browse plans online.

For informational purposes only. This information is compiled by UnitedHealthcare, and/or one of its affiliates, and does not diagnose problems or recommend specific treatment. Services and medical technologies referenced herein may not be covered under your plan. Please consult directly with your primary care physician if you need medical advice.

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