When dealing with heart failure tell doctors about all prescriptions. Even though this sounds basic enough, some people can forget to inform their doctors regarding all of their prescribed medications. Add to this, a new scientific statement from the American Heart Association (“AHA”) has revealed that many common types of medications can cause or worsen heart failure.
Heart related issues hit a number of people living in the United States (“US”) each year. The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) report that 610,000 people die of heart disease in the US each year. Breaking that number down means that 1 out of every 4 people in the US will die of heart disease. Coronary heart disease is the main type of heart disease killer, as 370,000 people die of coronary heart disease yearly.
According to news reports, the AHA statement not only deals with common type of medications, but it also includes herbal products or “natural” medications. Add to this, “Heart failure is the leading cause of hospitalization for people 65 years of age and older, and the average heart failure patient takes an average of seven prescription medications per day.” Because of the seriousness of this issue, it is paramount that heart patients remember to inform their doctors of their medication regiment.
One of the main reasons why heart patients have to disclose their medications to doctors is because of the possible interactions that the drugs can cause. Certain drugs, when taken together with other drugs can have a different effect on the body. The medical term for a combination of medical prescriptions used by a patient is called polypharmacy.
Heart patients can increase their safety by writing down all of the medications they are currently prescribed, including drug name and dosage (don’t forget natural medications too). It is also good practice to note when you stopped taking a medication. As always, remember to speak to your doctor regarding any medications and/or treatment.
To read more about the scientific AHA statement and the article in support of this post, click HERE.
