Medicine Hacks For People With Heart Disease

Often, doctors prescribe medicines that must be taken at specific intervals throughout the day. Now you may ask if taking all your prescribed medicines at a particular time is important. Well, the answer is YES! 

The first step in managing heart disease is taking all the prescribed medicines on time and in the dosage recommended by your doctor. People with heart disease or those at risk of heart disease may also have coexisting conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Your doctor will prescribe different medicines to manage all the co-existing conditions and each medicine has its own specified time which must be noted and followed well. Missing doses may lead to serious problems and other health complications in the long run.

Let us look at some common reasons why people miss their medicines and simple hacks to overcome this situation – 

1. Many patients assume that when their blood reports or BP come normal, they can stop their medicines. 

> If your blood test reports become normal because of medicines, stopping them without a doctor’s advice can harm your health. 

2. Many patients don’t remember to take their medicines on time.

Well, in that case, why don’t you try these – 

> Set reminders on your phone (they’re pretty helpful)
> Keep your pill box close, maybe on your dining table, so you don’t miss a dose after a meal. 
> Inform your family members about your dosage schedule.
> Mention the date on the strip so that you can track your regularity by checking empty slots in the strip. You can also get a pill-box organiser and never miss a dose. 
> Keep spare medicines in your handbag/wallet/car/office desk so you can have them even if you are out of your home.
> Keep a copy of your prescription while travelling away from home. 

3. People also fear the side effects associated with medicines. 

> Some people may experience a few side effects related to their medicines. It is important to always consult your doctor if you experience such side effects. He/She will help you manage them or prescribe an alternative medicine. By no means you should ever stop your medicines without the advice of your doctor.

It is important always to remember that the positive health outcomes of taking your medicines regularly on time outweigh the mild side effects that you may experience. 

4. Delay in purchasing your medicines can cause a few days’ gaps.

> Always set reminders and buy your medicines at least 1 week before the current strip is finished.

5. Some patients cannot purchase all medicines because of financial constraints.

> Taking medicines should be your priority to avoid far more expensive health complications later. You can check for offers and buy medicines online. You can talk to your doctor about alternative brands or generic medicines that cost less.

It is worth noting that most heart diseases can be managed well with a healthy lifestyle, which includes taking your medicines on time, monitoring your sugar levels, blood pressure and lipid profile often, eating a balanced diet and regularly exercising. Never miss follow-up consultations with your doctor.

We wish you good health.  

Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.