Medical IDs for Heart Disease

A medical ID is recommended for heart disease such as coronary heart disease, arrhythmia, congenital heart disease, and myocardial infraction. Latest statistics show that about 48% of adults in the US have some type of heart or blood vessel disease. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States according to CDC.

Complications of heart disease include heart failure, heart attack, sudden cardiac arrest, and stroke. In an emergency, signs of heart disease are not readily visible to responders unless a patient wears a medical alert bracelet or necklace.

Every year, approximately 720,000 new heart attacks occur in the US or 1 heart attack every 40 seconds. A study shows that 14% of people who have a heart attack will die from it.

• Congenital heart disease
• Arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat
• Coronary artery disease
• Dilated cardiomyopathy
• Myocardial infarction (heart attack, cardiac infarction, coronary thrombosis)
• Congestive heart failure
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
• Mitral regurgitation
• Mitral valve prolapse
• Pulmonary stenosis

An estimate of 47% or about half of all Americans have at least 1 of 3 key factors for heart disease. These are high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking. Other major risk factors are:

• Hypertension
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Physical inactivity
• Family history of heart disease
• Old age

Heart disease is an invisible medical condition, often without visible symptoms making it difficult for responders to recognize in an emergency. Medical IDs can alert others that heart disease or the risk of a heart attack is present.

“A medical ID bracelet or necklace brings great peace of mind to patients who have experienced a traumatic, unexpected health crisis like Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD). The ID “tells your story” in times that you can’t, and is something emergency personnel are trained to look for when evaluating patients.” – SCAD Alliance

A heart attack is a life-threatening emergency that requires quick action. Immediate diagnosis and treatment reduces potential damage to the heart and could save lives.

A medical ID for heart disease can alert medical professionals of everything they need to know about your heart health. Not all heart diseases are the same. Some patients have implanted medical device and take different medications to manage their health condition. A custom-engraved bracelet or necklace is recommended to reflect a patient’s most updated and precise medical information.

“Medical personnel should know about your pacemaker before ordering diagnostics involving an MRI, which is among the devices that may interfere with your pacemaker. Consider an ID bracelet or necklace for added security and convenience.” - American Heart Association

Here are some of the most important items to put on a heart disease medical ID:

1. Name
2. Heart disease – you can include the type of heart disease that you have and other medical conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
3. Additional medical information – include information if you have implants or cardiovascular device such as a stent, sternal wire sutures, artificial valve, pacemaker, and ICD.
4. Heart disease medications – examples are blood thinners or anticoagulants that can interact with other drugs or could cause excessive bleeding.
5. Emergency Contact

For tips on engraving and more, please read our guide to choosing a medical ID.