Issue Date: February 8, 2009
Follow these "three C's" to keep your heart happy
People today are healthier and living longer than ever before. Medical science has a lot to do with that, and we've seen great progress in the past 50 years. One of the most significant areas of advancement has been in the treatment of our nation's No. 1 killer, heart disease.
We now have an array of drugs to treat heart disease and lower the risk of future events. The spectrum of medicines runs from simple things such as daily low-dose aspirin to advanced drugs for treating heart failure. For some patients, the sheer magnitude of medicines can be overwhelming. But by following a few simple rules, you can keep your medications straight and your heart happy:
Be clear. Keep a list of all medicines you take, including any over-the-counter drugs and supplements. The list should include both the trade name and generic name, dose, schedule (once daily, twice daily, etc.), prescribing physician and contact information, and reason for taking the medicine.
Place daily medicines at the top of the list, followed by medicines you take "as needed" (for allergies, insomnia, etc.). Finish the list by including any drug allergies or side effects. Keep this list up-to-date, and take it with you when you see the doctor and when you travel.
Be consistent. Medicines are designed to stay in the body for specific periods of time. A medication that is to be taken once, twice or three times daily should, as much as possible, be taken at the same time each day, or you run the risk of having too much or too little in your system at once. It helps if you can link your medicine-taking to other routines (brushing your teeth, taking a bath, bedtime, etc.).
Be careful. Today's pharmacies and grocery stores are filled with drugs that, until recently, were available by prescription only. Many people get lackadaisical about the power of these agents. They assume over-the-counter drugs and supplements are harmless. They even assume that prescription medications are all OK (because their doctor prescribed it, it must be fine). Exercising prudence makes sense.
Heart medicines can be lifesaving, but take some precautions. Talk to your doctor about possible drug interactions. Is a generic medicine an option? Can I consolidate the number of medicines I'm taking? Why exactly am I taking this particular medicine? By following these guidelines, you and your doctor can make the right decisions for your heart.
Tedd Mitchell, M.D., president and CEO of Dallas' Cooper Clinic, writes HealthSmart every week.
Want to know more about high cholesterol medications? Click here.
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