Cardiac Care

Heart Health: Prevention is Better Than Cure

Anurag Laddha, Licensed Pharmacist
December 12, 2024
7 min read

Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. However, with proper prevention, medication management, and lifestyle changes, you can significantly reduce your risk and maintain a healthy heart throughout your life.

Understanding Heart Health

Your heart is a powerful muscle that pumps blood throughout your body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to every cell. Maintaining heart health involves managing several risk factors:

Risk Factors You Can Control
  • • High blood pressure
  • • High cholesterol
  • • Smoking
  • • Diabetes
  • • Obesity
  • • Physical inactivity
  • • Poor diet
  • • Excessive alcohol
Risk Factors You Cannot Control
  • • Age (men 45+, women 55+)
  • • Gender (men at higher risk)
  • • Family history
  • • Race/ethnicity
  • • Previous heart attack

Common Heart Medications

At Parambi Medical Store, we stock a comprehensive range of cardiac medications. Here are some commonly prescribed ones:

Blood Pressure Medications

ACE Inhibitors

  • • Ramipril 2.5mg, 5mg
  • • Enalapril 5mg, 10mg
  • • Lisinopril 10mg, 20mg

Calcium Channel Blockers

  • • Amlodipine 5mg, 10mg
  • • Nifedipine 30mg, 60mg
  • • Diltiazem 120mg, 180mg
Cholesterol Medications

Statins

  • • Atorvastatin 10mg, 20mg, 40mg
  • • Rosuvastatin 10mg, 20mg
  • • Simvastatin 20mg, 40mg

Other Lipid Medications

  • • Fenofibrate 160mg
  • • Ezetimibe 10mg
Blood Thinners
  • • Aspirin 75mg (low-dose)
  • • Clopidogrel 75mg
  • • Warfarin (various strengths)

Important Medication Tips

  • • Take medications at the same time each day
  • • Never stop cardiac medications suddenly without consulting your doctor
  • • Monitor for side effects and report them to your healthcare provider
  • • Keep a list of all medications with you at all times

Lifestyle Modifications for Heart Health

Heart-Healthy Diet
  • Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables
  • Choose whole grains over refined
  • Include lean proteins (fish, poultry)
  • Use healthy fats (olive oil, nuts)
  • Limit sodium to less than 2,300mg/day
Exercise Guidelines
  • 150 minutes moderate exercise/week
  • Include strength training 2x/week
  • Start slowly and gradually increase
  • Walking is excellent for beginners
  • Consult doctor before starting

Warning Signs of Heart Problems

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  • • Chest pain or discomfort
  • • Shortness of breath
  • • Pain in arms, back, neck, jaw
  • • Sudden severe headache
  • • Nausea or vomiting
  • • Dizziness or fainting
  • • Rapid or irregular heartbeat
  • • Swelling in legs, ankles, feet

Regular Health Monitoring

Regular check-ups and monitoring are essential for heart health:

Recommended Tests

  • Blood Pressure: Check at least once a year (more frequently if high)
  • Cholesterol: Every 4-6 years (more frequently if abnormal)
  • Blood Sugar: Every 3 years starting at age 45
  • ECG: As recommended by your doctor

Conclusion

Heart health is a lifelong commitment that requires a combination of proper medication management, healthy lifestyle choices, and regular medical care. The good news is that many heart conditions are preventable and manageable with the right approach.

Remember, small changes can make a big difference. Whether it's taking your medications consistently, adding a daily walk to your routine, or making healthier food choices, every step counts toward better heart health.

Need Heart Medications?

Contact us via WhatsApp for all your cardiac care needs. Our experienced pharmacist is here to help with medication guidance and health advice.