For most Americans, heart failure sounds like a frightening, hopeless diagnosis that only affects a select few. Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows nearly 6.2 million adults are currently living with heart failure, with approximately 550,000 new cases reported each year.
The misinformation surrounding the condition leads to patients experiencing early stages to ignore warning signs of heart failure without knowing it. Heart failure patient assistance programs play a huge role in trying to educate the masses on the causes, treatment, and prevention of the condition.
Fortunately, getting a positive diagnosis for heart failure is not a death sentence. By focusing on the right health behaviors such as a no-salt diet plan and taking medication can help you manage the condition successfully. You can enjoy a healthy and fulfilling life without any complications. Here are three tips for managing your heart failure medication.
1. Make a List of Your Prescriptions
A doctor may prescribe medicine for long-term management of the condition, often involving multiple drug options. Heart failure patient assistance programs often suggest noting down a list of the medications that you are on and carrying it with you to all of your doctors. Taking multiple medicines at a time can increase the risk of a drug interaction. The list can help physicians identify any drugs or supplements that can cause a reaction when taken alongside your heart failure medication.
2. Get to Know Your Medication
When you take a new prescription, it is important to find out more about the pills you are taking. The internet is full of heart failure patient resources that can help you determine the active ingredient’s name and the brand manufacture. You can also lookup possible side-effects of the dosage and what to do when you experience them.
Take the opportunity at the doctor’s office to discuss any issues you may have with the medicine. Heart failure patient assistance programs such as Heart Brothers can link you to a health professional that can handle any queries you may have about your treatment. While you may experience side-effects, do not stop taking the drugs unless directed by your physician.
3. Figure Out When and How to Take Your Medication
Your pharmacist may provide instructions on how to take your medicine. At times, you may have to take the pills at a specific time or with a meal. You can incorporate the medication into your routine, taking the drugs in the same manner daily. Creating a habit can reduce the chances of you forgetting to take your medicine.
A pillbox can help you take your medicine at the right time each day. Keep track of your pillbox to identify when you are almost running out of your drugs. Heart failure patient assistant programs suggest getting your medication from a specific drug store. Your pharmacist can track your medications and maybe in a better position to identify any drug interactions.
A heart failure diagnosis is not the end of the road for you. Keeping up with healthy habits and taking your medication correctly can help you live a long and fruitful life. Heart failure patient assistance programs can also provide support whenever you need it. You do not have to face the situation alone. Reach out to us at Heart Brothers Foundation.
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