Healthy Heart: Medications and Lifestyle Changes for Cardiovascular Health

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February 3, 2025

Maintaining a healthy heart is essential for overall well-being and longevity. Cardiovascular or heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. In Michigan, it has been the leading cause of death for more than a decade. Heart health can be influenced by various factors, including diet, exercise, and medication.

Your pharmacist is a key partner in managing heart health. We collaborate with your provider to optimize your medication plan and help you stay on track. Our pharmacy earned a 5-star CMS rating for medication adherence in cholesterol, diabetes, and high blood pressure—major risk factors for heart disease.

Medications for Heart Health

Several types of medications can help manage heart conditions and improve cardiovascular health. Here are some commonly prescribed medications and their roles:

Antihypertensives:

  • ACE Inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril, enalapril): These medications relax blood vessels, lower blood pressure, and reduce the workload on the heart.
  • Beta-Blockers (e.g., metoprolol, atenolol): Beta-blockers slow the heart rate and reduce blood pressure, making it easier for the heart to pump blood.
  • Calcium Channel Blockers (e.g., amlodipine, diltiazem): These drugs relax the blood vessels and lower blood pressure.
  • Diuretics (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide): Diuretics help eliminate excess sodium and water from the body, reducing blood pressure and swelling.

Cholesterol-Lowering Medications:

  • Statins (e.g., atorvastatin, simvastatin): Statins lower LDL cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
  • Ezetimibe: This medication reduces the absorption of cholesterol from the intestine.

Anticoagulants and Antiplatelets:

  • Aspirin: Low-dose aspirin can prevent blood clots, reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
  • Warfarin, Clopidogrel: These medications prevent blood clots by thinning the blood.

Heart Failure Medications:

  • Digoxin: Helps improve the strength and efficiency of the heart.
  • Aldosterone Antagonists (e.g., spironolactone): These medications help reduce symptoms of heart failure.

Use our medication finder to search for medications, identify pills by shape, review side effects and common uses.

Lifestyle Changes for Cardiovascular Health

Medications are crucial for managing heart conditions, but lifestyle changes are equally important. Here are some tips to support your cardiovascular wellness:

Healthy Diet:

  • Eat Heart-Healthy Foods: Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Foods like salmon, nuts, berries, and leafy greens are particularly beneficial.
  • Reduce Sodium Intake: Limit your consumption of salty foods and use herbs and spices to flavor your meals.
  • Avoid Trans Fats and Reduce Saturated Fats: Choose healthier fats, such as those found in olive oil and avocados.

Regular Exercise:

  • Stay Active: Aim to include moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking or cycling, per week.
  • Incorporate Strength Training: Include activities like weightlifting or resistance band exercises on a weekly basis.

Maintain a Healthy Weight:

Achieve and Maintain a Healthy BMI: A balanced diet and regular exercise can help you reach and maintain a healthy weight, reducing the strain on your heart.

Quit Smoking:

Smoking Cessation: If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your heart. Our pharmacy offers resources and support to help you quit smoking.

Manage Stress:

Practice Stress-Reduction Techniques: Activities like yoga, meditation, and deep-breathing exercises can help reduce stress and improve heart health.

Limit Alcohol Consumption:

Drink in Moderation: If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. For men, this means up to two drinks per day, and for women, up to one drink per day.

How Spartan Pharmacists Can Help

Our pharmacists are here to support your cardiovascular health journey through:

  • Medication Counseling: We provide detailed information about your heart medications, including how to take them, potential side effects, and interactions with other drugs.
  • Synchronized Medication Delivery: If you take multiple medications a month, we can help you align your medications to receive one monthly delivery through our SyncRX and free delivery programs. There are some medications excluded from this program. Call or stop into our office to schedule this feature to help you stay well.

Simple Steps for Better Cardiovascular Health

Maintaining a healthy heart is essential for overall well-being, and there are many steps you can take to support cardiovascular health. Lifestyle changes such as eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, managing stress, and getting enough sleep can all contribute to better heart health. Additionally, medications and supplements may play a role in managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and other heart-related conditions.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your primary care provider or cardiologist before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or medications. Your healthcare provider can help determine the best approach based on your individual health needs.