People today are healthier and living longer than ever before. We've seen great progress in the past 50 years in the treatment of our nation's No. 1 killer, heart disease. But today, the sheer magnitude of medicines can be overwhelming.
We now have an array of drugs to treat heart disease from simple things like a daily low-dose aspirin…
to advanced drugs for treating heart failure. By following the three C's, 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. So make an effort to take them at the same time each day or you run the risk of having too much or too little in your system at once.
- Be careful. Today's pharmacies and grocery stores are filled with drugs that, until recently, were available by prescription only. Don't assume over-the-counter drugs and supplements are harmless… or that all prescription medications are OK. Heart medicines can be lifesaving, but talk to your doctor about possible drug interactions.
Ask your doctor three things. Why exactly am I taking this particular medicine? Is generic an option? And can I consolidate the number of medicines I'm taking?
By following these guidelines, you and your doctor can make the right decisions for your heart.
From the TTUHSC, I'm Dr. Tedd Mitchell, and This is the President's Prescription.
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