If you have been diagnosed with hypertension or are at risk of cardiovascular disease, your doctor may prescribe medicines to protect your heart and cardiovascular system.
The type of medicines you take will depend on your heart condition, co-existing conditions, and your health in general, your doctor might prescribe other medicines as well.
Common types of heart medicines include:
- Medicines to manage blood pressure.
- Medicines to manage cholesterol.
- Medicines to stop blood clots forming.
- Medicines to control heart rate and rhythm.
- Medicines to prevent and treat chest pain (angina).
- Medicines to manage fluid levels.
Top tips on taking your medicines
It’s important that you take your heart medicines exactly as prescribed by your doctor for them to be most effective. And you should try and take them at the same time of the day so there is a steady level of the medicine in your blood stream.
Here are some of the key things to remember about taking your heart medicines.
Don’t stop taking your medicines, even if you feel well. Only stop or change the dose if your doctor has told you to.
Set a reminder. It’s important to take your medicines at the same time each day. You can use the Dario App reminder feature to alert you to when your medicine is due.
Report any side-effects. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about any side effects of your heart medicines, but don’t stop taking them without your doctor’s advice.
Over-the-counter medicines can affect some heart medicines. Before taking over-the-counter medicines or herbal remedies, check with your doctor or pharmacist whether they can interact with your heart medicines. This includes pain medicines, cold and flu medicines, supplements, and vitamins.
Some foods and drinks can affect heart medicines. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if there are any foods or drinks you should avoid while taking your medicine.
Get your next prescription filled in time. Make sure you always have enough supply of your medicines. If you are having trouble paying for your medicines, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. They can help you find a solution.
List your medicines. Keep a list of your medicines with you; written down or on your phone or computer. Record the names, the dose, what each medicines is for, and when to take them. Bring this list to all your health appointments.
Check the expiry date. Only take medicines that are within their expiry date.
Never share your medicines. Only take medicines that have been prescribed for you.
If you are unsure about what your medicine is for and why you should take it, talk to your doctor or pharmacist, they can answer any questions you may have.
https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/recovery-and-support/taking-your-medicine
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