Smart strategies to manage your conditions

Keeping track of your medications, health care appointments and symptoms is a lot of work. Especially if you have more than one chronic health condition.  Ready for a helping hand? Try these tips for taking control of your health.

1. Understand how conditions are connected

Some health problems are more likely to go hand in hand. For example, having diabetes can raise your risk of heart disease. And heart problems like coronary artery disease or chronic heart failure can also coexist with high blood pressure. 

Knowing how different conditions connect can help you notice early signs of a new concern. Ask your provider if you’re at risk for additional conditions. And if you’re experiencing a new or changing symptom, be sure to discuss that too.

2. Take steps for better health

When you’re managing one or more chronic conditions, small daily habits matter. Keeping up the right routines can help keep your condition stable and lessen symptom flare-ups. It can also help your care team make better decisions. Here are some self-care tips for some common conditions.

Diabetes:

• Monitor your blood sugar as recommended by your provider
• Store insulin in a place that’s not too hot or too cold
• Follow a balanced meal plan, and stay active most days

Chronic heart failure (CHF):*

• Balance activity with rest to avoid overworking your heart
• Weigh yourself daily to watch for fluid buildup
• Limit salt and follow your provider’s fluid guidelines

Cardiac arrhythmias:

• Avoid stimulants like caffeine or energy drinks
• Take your heart rhythm medications on schedule
• Keep your blood pressure in a healthy range

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Coronary artery disease (CAD):

• Take heart medications as prescribed to protect blood flow
• Stay active with provider-approved exercise
• Follow a heart-healthy eating plan low in saturated fat

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD):

• Keep your legs elevated when resting to improve circulation
• Walk regularly to support blood flow
• Check your feet and legs daily for sores or skin changes

Valvular heart disease:

• Stay up to date with recommended tests, such as echocardiograms
• Take medications exactly as directed
• Let all providers know about your valve condition before procedures

Healthy habits support nearly every chronic condition, but changes don’t have to happen all at once. Focus on small, realistic goals and steps. This might mean picking one goal to start with. For instance, choose heart-healthy foods, stay physically active within your limits or do something each day to manage stress.

Because energy levels can vary when you’re managing multiple conditions, listen to your body. Plan activities for times of day when you feel strongest. And allow yourself time to rest without guilt.

3. Lean on your personal Care Management Team

You don’t have to manage chronic conditions alone. Your primary care provider (PCP), pharmacists and specialists can help answer questions and coordinate care. Family members or caregivers also play an important role. They can offer emotional support and help you with tasks like setting up medication reminders or going with you to appointments.

As an Aetna® member, you have a dedicated care team. Their goal is to save you time and stress while helping you stay as healthy as possible. Your care team can help you schedule health care appointments, create a personalized care plan and answer any questions about your health or medications. Call them at 1-833-595-1008 (TTY: 711) 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM local time, Monday through Friday.

4. Ask your provider to review your medications

You might be on several medications that you truly need. Or some long-term prescriptions you may no longer need. Or maybe there’s a newer, more effective, or affordable medication, and it’s time to make a switch. Your health care provider can review your treatment plan and assist you in developing a more effective one. 

For your next appointment, bring an up-to-date list of all your medications. Be sure to include over-the-counter drugs and supplements so your provider can give you the best advice.

Your prescriptions, your way

With CVS Caremark® mail service pharmacy, you can get your medicine sent to you.  Mail-order delivery is a great option for drugs you take regularly. We call these “maintenance” drugs. They’re used to treat chronic or long-term conditions, like high blood pressure. Manage your prescriptions and refills by logging in to your secure member website at AetnaMedicare.com/LG. Not registered yet? Sign up at AetnaMedicare.com/RG.

5. Keep a symptom journal

Tracking symptoms can be hard, especially when they change from day to day. A symptom journal helps your provider see what’s working and make better care decisions. You don’t need to track everything — just write down changes that are new, ongoing or getting worse. You can use a notebook, smartphone or tablet. And bring your notes to your next visit.

Here are some examples of changes that may be helpful to note based on specific chronic conditions.

Diabetes:

• Blood sugar often too high or too low
• Feeling very thirsty or urinating more than usual
• Blurry vision

Chronic heart failure:*

• Sudden weight gain
• Swelling in legs, feet or stomach
• Trouble sleeping

Cardiac arrhythmias:

• ​​​Skipping, fluttering or racing heartbeat
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Unusual fatigue

Coronary artery disease:

• Chest discomfort with activity
• Shortness of breath
• Pain in the arm, neck or jaw

Peripheral vascular disease:

• Leg pain or cramping when walking
• Cold or numb feet or toes
• Slow-healing sores on legs or feet

Valvular heart disease:

• Shortness of breath with activity
• Swelling in legs or ankles
• Feeling tired or weak

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away if you have any of these:

• Chest pain or pressure
• Trouble breathing or shortness of breath at rest
• Fainting, confusion or sudden weakness

6. Schedule your appointments wisely

Schedule your visits in the morning, before appointments start to run late to avoid delays, or whenever you have the most energy. And don’t try to schedule more than two appointments a day. Too many health care visits may make you feel tired.

Managing more than one condition takes effort, patience and persistence. But with smart strategies and the right support, it’s possible to protect your health and maintain your quality of life. Taking small, consistent steps today can make a meaningful difference tomorrow.

* FOR CHF TIPS: American Heart Association. Lifestyle changes for heart failure. Last reviewed June 16, 2025. Accessed April 6, 2026.

* FOR CHF SYMPTOMS: American Heart Association. Physical changes to report for heart failure. Last reviewed June 17, 2025.  Accessed April 6, 2026.

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. This material is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Health information programs provide general health information and are not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician or other health care professional. Contact a health care professional with any questions or concerns about specific health care needs. Providers are independent contractors and are not agents of Aetna. Provider participation may change without notice. Aetna is not a provider of health care services and, therefore, cannot guarantee any results or outcomes. The availability of any particular provider cannot be guaranteed and is subject to change. Information is believed to be accurate as of the production date; however, it is subject to change. For more information about Aetna plans, refer to our website. The formulary and/or pharmacy network may change at any time. You will receive notice when necessary. Participating health care providers are independent contractors and are neither agents nor employees of Aetna. The availability of any particular provider cannot be guaranteed, and provider network composition is subject to change. CVS Caremark® Mail Service Pharmacy, CVS Specialty® and Aetna® are part of the CVS Health® family of companies. For mail order, you can get prescription drugs shipped to your home through the network mail-order delivery program. Typically, mail-order drugs arrive within 10 days. You can call the number on your Aetna member ID card if you do not receive your mail-order drugs within this time frame. Members may have the option to sign-up for automated mail-order delivery.  The benefit(s) mentioned are part of of special supplemental benefits for the chronically ill (SSBCI). SSBCI conditions include certain cardiovascular disorders, congestive heart failure, and diabetes. Eligibility is determined by whether you have a chronic condition associated with the benefit(s). Standards and conditions vary for each benefit. Contact us to confirm the specific SSBCI condition requirements for the benefit(s) for this plan and determine your eligibility. 

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