What is a heart attack?
The medical term for heart attack is myocardial infarction. A heart attack is also called coronary thrombosis or coronary occlusion. A heart attack occurs when the blood supply to part of the heart muscle (the myocardium) is severely reduced or stopped. The reduction or stoppage happens when one or more of the coronary arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle is blocked. This is usually caused by atherosclerosis, which leads to a buildup of plaque (deposits of fat-like substances) inside the artery wall. The plaque can eventually burst, tear or rupture, creating a "snag" where a blood clot forms and blocks the artery. This leads to a heart attack.

What is a stroke?
Stroke is a cardiovascular disease. It affects the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that brings oxygen and nutrients to the brain bursts or is clogged by a blood clot or some other particle. Because of this rupture or blockage, part of the brain doesn't get the blood and oxygen it needs. Deprived of oxygen, nerve cells in the affected area of the brain can't work and die within minutes. And when nerve cells can't work, the part of the body they control can't work either. The devastating effects of stroke are often permanent, because dead brain cells aren't replaced.

Is there any way to reduce the chance of a heart attack?
Studies show that certain characteristics increase the risk of coronary heart disease, which causes a heart attack. These are called risk factors. Some of them can be modified, treated or controlled, and some can't. The major modifiable risk factors are:
High blood pressure
Tobacco smoke
High blood cholesterol
Physical inactivity
Obesity
Diabetes

What are the costs associated with cardiovascular diseases and stroke in 2003?
The cost of cardiovascular disease and stroke in 2003 is estimated at $351.8 billion, according to the American Heart Association and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). This figure includes both direct and indirect costs. Direct costs include the cost of physicians and other professionals, hospital and nursing home services, the cost of medications, home healthcare and other medical durables. Indirect costs include lost productivity that results from illness and death.

What is supplemental heart/stroke insurance?
Major medical benefits are paid to hospitals, but Conseco Health Insurance Company supplemental insurance policy benefits are paid to your household to help cover deductibles, copayments and loss of income. The Pulse Protection Series may help bring you the peace of mind you are looking for in insurance.

What benefits should I look for in a heart/stroke
insurance policy?
Benefits that will be paid directly to you or someone you designate.
Benefits paid regardless of any other coverage you have, including
Medicare. ¹
Your policy is guaranteed to be renewable for life. Only you can cancel your coverage. In all states except Florida, your rates can be raised only if they are increased for all policies of this kind in your state.
Your premium does not increase due to your age.
Your Heart and Stroke benefits never reduce as you get older.
A family policy may cover you, your spouse, and your dependent unmarried children to age 21, or 26 if they are full-time students.
Newborn children are covered from birth.