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Medical Aid Schemes that Cover Cardiac Failure

Cardiac failure presents both medical and socioeconomic challenges in South Africa. Cardiac failure is covered by medical aid in South Africa due to its prevalence and the significant financial burden it places on individuals.

By providing coverage for this illness, these schemes provide a safety net, assisting in the timely treatment and management of Cardiac Failure, easing financial strain, and promoting better health outcomes among beneficiaries.

This article aims to thoroughly examine the condition, encompassing its symptoms through available care programs that attend to it medically. By highlighting healthcare packages for cardiac treatment, we intend to stress how critical financial planning can be when dealing with complex health obstacles. In this article, you will learn:

The Best Medical Schemes that cover Cardiac Failure (2023) – a List
Do Discovery Health, Bestmed, and, Bonitas cover Cardiac Treatment?
The Best South African Medical Aids that cover Heart Diseases
The Top Medical aids covering Pre-Existing conditions in Chronic Diseases or Conditions

and much, MUCH more!

Medical Aid Schemes that Cover Cardiac Failure – a Comparison

🔎 Provider	❤️ Covers Cardiac Failure	▶️ Top Plan for Cardiac Treatment
🥇 Discovery Health	✅ Yes	Executive
🥈 Bestmed	✅ Yes	Beat 1
🥉 Bonitas	✅ Yes	BonStart
🏅 CapeMedical	✅ Yes	HealthPact Silver
🎖️ CompCare	✅ Yes	Networx
🏆 Genesis	✅ Yes	Med100
🥇 Sizwe Hosmed	✅ Yes	Essential Copper
🥈 KeyHealth	✅ Yes	Essence
🥉 Makoti	✅ Yes	Primary
🏅 Medihelp	✅ Yes	MedElect Student
🎖️ MediMed	✅ Yes	MediSave Essential
🏆 Medshield	✅ Yes	MediCurve
🥇 Momentum Health	✅ Yes	Ingwe
🥈 Suremed	✅ Yes	Shuttle
🥉 Thebemed	✅ Yes	Universal Edo

Medical Aid Schemes that Cover Cardiac Failure (2024)

☑️ Discovery Health – Overall, the Best Medical Scheme covering Cardiac Failure in South Africa
☑️ Bestmed – Impressive Medicine and Chronic Illness Benefit
☑️ Bonitas – Provides Managed Care and Support Programmes
☑️ CapeMedical – Covers Cardiac Failure and Cardiomyopathy
☑️ Compcare – Offers extensive unlimited hospital cover
☑️ Genesis – Suited for individuals/families who require in-hospital Cover
☑️ Sizwe Hosmed – Leading South African Medical Aid Scheme
☑️ Keyhealth – Budget Friendly Medical Scheme
☑️ Makoti Medical Scheme – Access to Generous cover across a wide range of service
☑️ Medihelp – Covers emergencies and other medical services
☑️ Medimed – Cover for costs related to the diagnosis, treatment, and care of Cardiac Disease
☑️ Medshield – Offers an all-inclusive range of day-to-day and in-hospital benefits.
☑️ Momentum Health -Cheap Medical Aid with Tailored Benefits
☑️ SureMed – Covers Cardiac Disease amongst other chronic Benefits
☑️ Thebemed – Well-Established South African Medical Services Provider

What is Cardiac Failure?

Heart failure, medically called cardiac failure, denotes a health issue where the heart fails to circulate blood throughout the body optimally.

The root causes can be attributed to various factors like coronary artery disease, hypertension, or irregularities with heart valves. This medical condition takes diverse forms, such as systolic and diastolic heart failures, whether chronic or acute.

Cardiac Failure Stats in South Africa

In South Africa, cardiac failure is a significant issue in terms of public health. According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa, heart diseases, including cardiac failure, cause nearly 18% of all deaths nationwide.

According to a review article on the global public health burden of heart failure, overall mortality was 16.5% in the INTER-CHF prospective cohort study of 5,823 patients, with Africa (34%) and India (23%), intermediate in Southeast Asia (15%), and lowest in China (7%), South America (9%), and the Middle East (9%).

The risk for this condition is particularly high among older adults and those with comorbid conditions such as hypertension or diabetes.

Furthermore, it is important to highlight that individuals from low-income communities with restricted healthcare access are disproportionately affected by this ailment.

Can Cardiac Failure be cured, and how?

Although cardiac failure is generally considered a permanent ailment, there have been significant strides in medical research that allow for the successful alleviation of symptoms and enhancement of patients’ overall well-being.

Typically, therapy involves employing various remedies such as medication or behavioral adjustments; when cases are more severe, surgical procedures like heart transplantation or mechanical implantation might become necessary options.

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Cardiac Failure Curability and Management

While cardiac failure cannot be cured, it can be managed with medical intervention and lifestyle changes. Management strategies frequently include medications such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and diuretics to control symptoms.

Changes in lifestyle, such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and quitting smoking, can also have a significant impact. In extreme cases, ventricular assist devices (VADs) or heart transplants may be considered.

READ more about the best medical aid plans covering a stroke

Cardiac Failure Symptoms

Below are some of the common symptoms of cardiac failure:

✅ Chest pain
✅ Fatigue
✅ Lack of appetite or nausea
✅ Confusion or impaired thinking
✅ Swollen legs, ankles, and feet
✅ Rapid or irregular heartbeat
✅ Shortness of breath
✅ Persistent cough or wheezing
✅ Increased need to urinate at night
✅ Abdominal swelling or discomfort

Chest pain

When heart failure results from a cardiac issue like coronary artery disease, one may experience chest pain. This sign demands prompt medical aid as it could signify the onset of a heart attack.

Fatigue

Individuals experiencing heart failure often describe feeling abnormally tired or weak due to the heart’s ineffectiveness in adequately transporting blood, causing an inadequate supply of oxygen and nutrients to tissues and muscles, which results in disrupted functionality.

Lack of appetite or nausea

If there is swelling in the abdomen or if the blood supply to the digestive system decreases, it could disrupt its regular operation. Therefore, individuals may experience vomiting and a diminished desire for food intake.

Confusion or impaired thinking

Confusion, impaired cognitive functions, and memory decline are the most common symptoms of decreased blood flow to the brain. Furthermore, these signs and symptoms are frequently seen in older people.

Swollen legs, ankles, and feet

Fluid retention is a common complication of cardiac failure, resulting in swelling of the lower extremities. This symptom is typically more noticeable at the end of the day and can cause shoes to feel tight.

Rapid or irregular heartbeat

A rapid or irregular heartbeat indicates your heart is working harder to pump blood. This can be a compensatory mechanism in the early stages of cardiac failure, but it becomes problematic as the condition worsens.

Shortness of breath

Shortness of breath commonly arises as a manifestation of cardiac failure, frequently experienced while engaging in physical exertion or reclining.

This outcome stems from the heart’s inability to circulate adequate oxygen-enriched blood that satisfies bodily requirements, causing the accumulation of fluids within the lungs.

Persistent cough or wheezing

White or pink mucus while coughing can indicate cardiac failure since it signifies fluid accumulation in the lungs, which may result in wheezing and breathing difficulties.

Increased need to urinate at night

Those suffering from cardiac failure frequently report frequent urination during the night. This is because lying down causes fluid to be reabsorbed into the bloodstream, increasing urine production.

Abdominal swelling or discomfort

Fluid retention can cause bloating or discomfort in the abdominal region, leading to a decreased appetite.

Cardiac Failure Treatment

Below are some of the common treatments for cardiac failure:

✅ Lifestyle Changes
✅ Remote Monitoring
✅ Cardiac Rehabilitation
✅ Palliative Care
✅ Traditional Medicine
✅ Medication Management
✅ Surgical Interventions

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes are critical for effectively managing cardiac failure. These include dietary changes to reduce salt and fluid intake, moderate exercise regularly, and quitting smoking.

Given South Africa’s high rates of lifestyle-related diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, these changes are especially important.

Remote Monitoring

Implementing telemedicine and remote monitoring technologies is highly beneficial in managing cardiac failure. These innovative tools allow for routine assessments and swift interventions, offering a distinct advantage for patients located in distant locations.

Cardiac Rehabilitation

Structured exercise and educational programs offered through cardiac rehabilitation are designed to assist patients in improving their condition.

Greater availability of these resources is being observed across South Africa, mainly in urban regions, representing a valuable support system for individuals experiencing cardiac failure.

Palliative Care

The objective of palliative care is to enhance the standard of living for individuals experiencing progressed cardiac failure. South Africa appears to be embracing this method: addressing symptoms, providing emotional assistance, and planning for end-of-life situations.

Traditional Medicine

Traditional medicinal practices in select areas of South Africa are seamlessly woven into contemporary approaches to treating heart failure, serving as complementary support.

Despite ongoing effectiveness assessments, these traditional remedies persist within the healthcare system, holding promise for symptom alleviation.

Medication Management

Medication is primarily utilized as the initial course for addressing cardiac failure. The most typical medications used are ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and diuretics, which aim to advance the heart’s pumping performance while regulating blood pressure and reducing fluid retention.

It is advisable to seek advice from medical professionals when formulating a personalized medication program due to disparities in availability across regions within the country.

Surgical Interventions

Surgical options such as heart transplants or ventricular assist devices (VADs) implantation may be considered in severe cases of cardiac failure.

However, these procedures are frequently expensive and may not be available to all South Africans, particularly those living in rural areas without comprehensive Medical Aid coverage.

Medical Aid Schemes that Include Benefits for Cardiac Failure

Discovery Health

Discovery Health is synonymous with dependability, providing a variety of flexible and affordable medical aid plans. Discovery Health covers Cardiac Failure. According to the website, the Discovery Health Cardio Care Programme provides appropriate coverage and care for hypertension, heart disease, and hyperlipidemia with your Premier Plus GP.

The Cardio Care Programme covers Cardiac Failure prevention, diagnosis, and therapy. The following Discovery Health Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for Cardiac Failure:

✅ Executive Plan
✅ Classic Comprehensive
✅ Classic Core
✅ Classic Delta Comprehensive
✅ Classic Delta Core
✅ Classic Delta Saver
✅ Classic Priority
✅ Classic Saver
✅ Classic Smart Comprehensive
✅ Classic Smart
✅ Coastal Core
✅ Coastal Saver
✅ KeyCare Core
✅ KeyCare Plus
✅ KeyCare Start
✅ KeyCare Start Regional

Cardiac Arrest is also covered via the Essential Delta Comprehensive, Core, Saver, Dynamic Smart, Priority, Saver, and Smart Options

Bestmed

Bestmed has a reputation for transparency, so members are well-informed about their healthcare options and benefits. Bestmed covers CVD. Cardiac failure is a covered Chronic Disease List (CDL) ailment on the Bestmed website.

The following Bestmed Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for Cardiac Failure:

✅ Beat 1
✅ Beat 2
✅ Beat 3
✅ Beat 4
✅ Pace 1
✅ Pace 2
✅ Pace 3
✅ Pace 4

Benefits and Cover for Cardiac Failure are also provided via the Rhythm 1 and Rhythm 2 Plans.

Bonitas

Bonitas Medical Aid, with a focus on innovation, constantly adapts its offerings to meet the evolving healthcare landscape, ensuring optimal member benefits. Bonitas does cover Cardiac Failure as part of their chronic illness coverage.

The following Bonitas Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for Cardiac Failure:

✅ BonStart
✅ BonStart Plus
✅ Standard
✅ Standard Select
✅ Primary
✅ Primary Select
✅ BonFit Select
✅ BonSave
✅ BonComplete
✅ BonClassic
✅ BonComprehensive
✅ Hospital Standard
✅ BonEssential
✅ BonEssential Select
✅ BonCap

Benefits and Coverage for Cardiac Failure are also provided via the Hospital Standard, BonEssential, BonEssential Select, and, BonCap plans.

Cape Medical Plan

Cape Medical Plan is a preferred medical coverage choice because it combines traditional values with modern healthcare solutions. Its member-centered approach is admirable. The Cape Medical Plan covers cardiac failure under all plans. According to its website, cardiovascular failure is a Chronic Disease List (CDL) illness covered by the Cape Medical Plan.

The Silver, Premium, and, Select Cape Medical Plan Plans provide benefits and cover for Cardiac Failure.

CompCare

Medical aid is more than just a safety net with CompCare; it is a partnership for better health. Their proactive approach to healthcare administration is admirable. CompCare covers CVD. Heart Failure is a Chronic Disease List (CDL) illness covered by CompCare, according to its website.

The following CompCare Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for Cardiac Failure:

✅ NETWORX
✅ SELFNET
✅ MEDX
✅ UNISAVE
✅ MUMED
✅ SELFSURE
✅ SYMMETRY
✅ DYNAMIX
✅ PINNACLE

Benefits and cover for Cardiac Failure are also provided via the SYMMETRY, DYNAMIX, and, PINNACLE plans.

Fedhealth

Fedhealth’s network of accredited healthcare providers ensures members receive high-quality medical care regardless of plan. Fedhealth does cover Cardiac Failure as indicated in their list of chronic conditions.

The following Fedhealth Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for Cardiac Failure:

✅ FlexiFED Savvy
✅ MyFED
✅ FlexiFED 1
✅ FlexiFED 2
✅ FlexiFED 3
✅ FlexiFED 4
✅ Maxima EXEC
✅ Maxima PLUS

Benefits and Coverage for Cardiac Failure are also provided via the Maxima EXEC and PLUS plans.

Genesis Medical Scheme

Genesis Medical Scheme has formed alliances with leading healthcare providers to ensure members suffering from cardiac failure have access to the best facilities. Genesis Medical Scheme covers cardiac failure via the Med100, Med200, and, Med200 Plus Plans.

Sizwe Hosmed

Sizwe Hosmed has built a loyal following in the medical aid community through its customer-focused services. Sizwe Hosmed covers cardiac failure per the CDL list.

The following Sizwe Hosmed Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for Cardiac Failure:

✅ Essential Copper
✅ Silver Hospital
✅ Access Saver-25
✅ Access Saver-15
✅ Gold Ascend
✅ Gold Ascend EDO
✅ Value
✅ Value Core EDO
✅ Platinum Enhanced
✅ Platinum Enhanced EDO
✅ Plus
✅ Titanium Executive

Benefits and Cover for Cardiac Failure are also provided via the Platinum Enhanced, Platinum Enhanced EDO, Plus, and, Titanium Executive Plans.

Keyhealth

Keyhealth has been a change agent in the healthcare industry, advocating for transparent and straightforward solutions. Keyhealth covers Cardiac Failure as indicated in their list of covered chronic conditions.

The following Keyhealth Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for Cardiac Failure:

✅ Essence
✅ Origin
✅ Equilibrium
✅ Silver
✅ Gold
✅ Platinum

Benefits and cover for Cardiac Failure are also provided via the Silver, Gold, and, Platinum plans.

Makoti Medical Scheme

Makoti Medical Scheme has become a cornerstone in localized healthcare solutions, focusing on community well-being. Makoti Medical Scheme covers cardiac failure but does not have an extensive cardio care program.

The following Makoti Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for Cardiac Failure via the Primary and Comprehensive Options.

Medihelp

Medihelp is a stalwart in personalized healthcare, providing medical aid tailored to individual lifestyles. Medihelp covers Cardiac Failure. The policy covers Cardiac failure, according to the Medihelp Benefit Options 2024 document.

The following Medihelp Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for Cardiac Failure:

✅ MedElect Student
✅ MedVital Elect
✅ MedVital
✅ MedMove!
✅ MedAdd Elect
✅ MedAdd
✅ MedSave
✅ MedElect

Benefits and coverage for Cardiac Failure are also provided via the MedPrime Elect, MedPrime, MedElite, and MedPlus plans.

Medimed Medical Scheme

Medimed is not merely another medical aid plan; it is an investment in your health and well-being over the long term. Medimed covers Cardiac Failure. Cardiac failure is one of the Chronic Disease List (CDL) diseases that qualify for Medimed coverage, according to the Medimed website.

The Medimed Medisave Essential, Alpha, Medisave Standard, and Medisave Max Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for Cardiac Failure.

Medshield

As a forerunner, Medshield has influenced healthcare regulations by promoting access to affordable healthcare. Medshield covers cardiac failure as indicated in their 2024 Benefits Guide and confirmed by their Chronic Illness Cover.

The following Medshield Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for Cardiac Failure:

✅ MediCurve
✅ MediPhila
✅ MediSwift
✅ MediValue
✅ MediValue Compact
✅ MediCore
✅ MediPlus Prime
✅ MediPlus Compact

Benefits and Coverage for Cardiac Failure are also provided via the MediSaver, MediBonus, and, Premium Plus Plans.

Momentum Health

Momentum Health is the market leader in valuable extra services that improve basic medical aid. Momentum Health covers Cardiac Failure as one of their chronic conditions.

The following Momentum Health Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for Cardiac Failure:

✅ Ingwe
✅ Evolve
✅ Custom
✅ Incentive
✅ Extender
✅ Summit

Benefits and cover for Cardiac Failure are also included in the Incentive, Extender, and Summit Plans.

Suremed

Suremed is committed to upholding high standards of medical coverage as an industry pioneer in the healthcare industry.

The Suremed Health Shuttle, Explorer, Navigator, and, Challenger Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for Cardiac Failure.

Thebemed

Thebemed changes how medical aid is given by putting affordability first without lowering quality. Thebemed covers cardiac failure and the following Thebemed Health Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for Cardiac Failure:

✅ Universal EDO
✅ Universal
✅ Energy

Benefits and cover for Cardiac Failure are also provided by the Fantasy Plan.

In Conclusion

Cardiac failure presents both medical and socioeconomic challenges in South Africa and finding a trustworthy medical scheme that covers Cardiac failure is important due to the significant financial burden it places on individuals.

These Medical schemes provide a safety net, assisting in the timely treatment and management of Cardiac Failure, easing financial strain, and promoting better health outcomes among beneficiaries.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use medication to strengthen my heart muscle?

Yes, certain medications are intended to improve the heart’s pumping ability and, over time, can effectively strengthen the heart muscle. In South Africa, commonly prescribed medications include ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs).

Are there lab tests for heart failure?

Yes, lab tests for B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) commonly diagnose heart failure in South Africa. These tests are frequently supplemented by imaging studies such as echocardiograms.

Can heart failure be reversed?

Heart failure is generally considered a chronic condition that cannot be cured. However, its symptoms can be effectively managed to improve quality of life with proper treatment and lifestyle changes.

Can you claim benefits in South Africa if you have heart failure?

Yes, many South African Medical Aid Schemes cover the treatment of heart failure. Furthermore, depending on the severity of your condition, you may be eligible for disability benefits.

How do you give first aid for heart failure?

If acute heart failure occurs, immediately contact emergency services and keep the patient seated with their legs dangling to improve blood flow. If available, administer any prescribed medications, such as nitroglycerin.

Is heart failure considered a critical illness?

Yes, heart failure is frequently classified as a critical illness, particularly in its advanced stages. This classification frequently allows for more comprehensive coverage under South African Medical Aid Schemes.

How do you stay alive with heart failure?

Heart failure management entails a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and regular medical check-ups. Adherence to treatment plans and symptom monitoring are critical for extending life with this condition.

What to do after heart failure?

After being diagnosed with heart failure, consult your healthcare provider for a personalized treatment plan that may include medication, lifestyle changes, and surgical interventions. Follow-up appointments are required to monitor your condition.

Does heart failure mean heart damage?

Yes, heart failure typically indicates some type of heart damage, whether caused by coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, or other underlying conditions. This damage frequently results in the heart’s inability to pump efficiently.

Can your heart get stronger after heart failure?

While heart failure is often irreversible, proper management can improve heart function and quality of life. Medications and lifestyle changes can improve the efficiency of the heart.

Do you sleep a lot with heart failure?

Excessive tiredness and sleepiness are common symptoms of heart failure, but they can also be side effects of treatment medications. For symptom management, consult your healthcare provider.

How quickly can heart failure deteriorate?

The rate at which heart failure deteriorates varies greatly between individuals and is affected by various factors such as age, overall health, and treatment adherence. Any sudden worsening of symptoms requires immediate medical attention.

Is heart failure worse at night?

Shortness of breath and coughing may worsen at night due to fluid redistribution while sleeping. Elevating the head and upper body can relieve some of these symptoms.

What aggravates heart failure?

High salt intake, excessive fluid consumption, lack of exercise, and medication non-adherence can all aggravate heart failure symptoms. Controlling these factors is critical for effective treatment.

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