Heart Health: Prevention is Better Than Cure
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:
- • High blood pressure
- • High cholesterol
- • Smoking
- • Diabetes
- • Obesity
- • Physical inactivity
- • Poor diet
- • Excessive alcohol
- • 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:
ACE Inhibitors
- • Ramipril 2.5mg, 5mg
- • Enalapril 5mg, 10mg
- • Lisinopril 10mg, 20mg
Calcium Channel Blockers
- • Amlodipine 5mg, 10mg
- • Nifedipine 30mg, 60mg
- • Diltiazem 120mg, 180mg
Statins
- • Atorvastatin 10mg, 20mg, 40mg
- • Rosuvastatin 10mg, 20mg
- • Simvastatin 20mg, 40mg
Other Lipid Medications
- • Fenofibrate 160mg
- • Ezetimibe 10mg
- • 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
- 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
- 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.