Heart disease is still the 2nd leading cause of death in Canada. Most of us have at least one risk factor for heart disease. Some risk factors that you can control include; physical activity, alcohol use, smoking, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Your heart needs regular maintenance. It is your engine, using the circulatory system to deliver nutrients and oxygen to cells. An efficient heart needs clean and flexible arteries. High blood pressure, bad cholesterol, some chronic conditions, and lifestyle choices affect your heart’s ability to function at its best. If you have high blood pressure or a heart condition, it is more imperative to keep your heart functioning at its optimum.
Your heart works at best efficiency if there is less resistance to pump against. Controlling blood pressure and making sure your heart pumps properly may require medication. Everyone benefits from a healthy diet and activity – the foundation to maintaining heart health.
Even if you work at keeping your heart healthy, it might be advisable to prepare for the event of a heart attack. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you should keep acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) on hand, just in case. Your pharmacist can provide information on how to use ASA in the event of an emergency.
Make regular physician visits, as changes to heart function and blood pressure can impact your overall health. Don’t wait until you feel something – maintain your engine with preventative maintenance! Take steps to discuss ways to address the risk factors for heart disease. Your Pharmachoice pharmacist can inform and provide options that suit you.
Your Pharmachoice pharmacist is one of your resources to provide information on healthy heart choices. Whether it is monitoring blood pressure, choosing vitamins, discussing diet, exercise or quitting smoking – make sure you speak to your doctor and pharmacist. Changes to activity, diet, or supplements should be monitored, as modifications to medications or dosages may be required. Addressing any one of the risk factors will improve heart health. Strike up a conversation with your pharmacist, and discover some of the changes to improve heart health requires little effort, but provide great gains!
