Taking Your Heart Medications
Taking Your Heart MedicationsMost people living with heart disease take several medications to help manage their condition.“In the hospital after the stroke, I was diagnosed with hypertension and now I'm taking medication forcholesterol and high blood pressure.” – Linda, Patient“I take Lantus every night before I go to bed. And Lantus is a 24-hour diabetic medicine that works 24 hours aday.” – Judy, PatientWhether for blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, or blood thinners, it is important to take your medications asprescribed. Learn all you can about each medication you take.What does it do? How long before it begins to work? How do you know it is working? How often do you need to takeit? What are the possible side effects? Are there any foods you should avoid when taking it? And what do you do if youforget to take a dose?Know the best time to take each. For instance, some medications should be taken a half-hour before you eat breakfastwhile other medications must be taken at bedtime. Most people find organizing all their medications in some wayhelps them remember to take their pills and take them at the right time.Some people use a calendar to remember when to take their medication. Others prefer using a pill organizer. Somepeople use a chart, and simply check off their medications as they take them. You can also set a reminder to take yourmedications on your smart phone.Make sure your healthcare provider knows all the medication you take, prescription and over-the-countermedications, including aspirin.This also includes all herbal products and vitamin supplements. Make sure your provider is aware of any allergies youhave.Keep an updated list of all your medications you are taking and their doses. Ask your pharmacist or doctor’s office fora medication card to fill out. Or, a simple sheet of paper will do. Always carry it with you when you leave the house.Share this list with all of your healthcare providers including your dentist.Get all your prescriptions filled at one pharmacy. That way they will have a complete list of your medications on fileand can alert you to any possible drug interactions. And when taking some medications, wear medical identification.For example, if you take insulin or nitroglycerin, in case of an emergency medical identification can help you get thecare you need quickly. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you should wear a medical bracelet.Taking your medications as directed will go a long way to reduce your heart disease risk factors and your risk of heartattack and stroke.Page 1 of 1This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.HCHA10243B EN TakingYourHeartMedications.pdf© The Wellness Network
© The Wellness Network
