Shop Alto Essentials to add pharmacy products to any delivery!

Your partner in navigating the ins and outs of prescriptions — at no extra cost.

Alto Pharmacy Technician

Alto Pharmacist

It’s official: Alto Pharmacy is a great place to work! We’re honored to join the community of Great Place to Work-Certified™ companies based on team member feedback and a rigorous assessment of our company’s culture and benefits.

Join us in delivering our industry-leading pharmacy care to millions of people across the country. As a member of the team, you’ll play an integral role in improving our customers’ quality of life and redefining what’s possible in pharmacy. 

Be Part of a Great Place to Work — Join Our Team

Hear first-hand from members of the Alto technology teams.

Read the latest Alto blog posts covering healthcare, family health, managing diseases, and other Alto highlights.

Blog | Alto Pharmacy

While many people who suffer a heart attack are able to experience a full and active life after recovering, it often takes time to get back on your feet. And given the risk of another heart attack — about 1 in 5 of those age 45 and older have a second one within five years of their first — it’s important to prioritize your health and stay proactive about prevention efforts.

Medications Used After a Heart Attack

Recovery looks different for each person, with treatment dependent upon a variety of factors including the type of heart attack you had, its severity, and your overall health history. In most cases, a combination of lifestyle changes and medication is necessary to manage the risk of another heart attack. Here’s an overview of what to expect.

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is reduced or blocked as the result of a blockage in a coronary artery. There are two main types of heart attacks, categorized by the extent of the blockage:

An ST-elevation myocardial infarction, commonly referred to as a “STEMI” heart attack, is caused by a complete blockage.

A non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction, commonly referred to as an “NSTEMI” heart attack, is caused by a partial blockage.

Coronary artery disease, the most common type of heart disease, is the cause of most heart attacks. In this condition, accumulation of plaque causes the coronary arteries to become hardened or blocked.

Too often, people learn that they have coronary artery disease after having a heart attack. To detect cardiovascular issues at an early stage, consult with your doctor about your risk for heart disease. Your doctor may use a cardiac risk calculator to assess your chances of developing heart disease based on your personal health history.

Remember that your risk can be managed. The purpose of calculating it is to help you take important preventative steps. While some drivers of heart disease like age and genetics aren’t modifiable, you have control over many others, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and physical inactivity.

Presentation of heart attack symptoms can vary significantly from one person to another. In fact, not everyone who has a heart attack develops symptoms. When they do occur, they can range from mild to severe, developing suddenly or over the course of days or weeks. 

If you think you might be having a heart attack, seek medical care right away. Chest pain or pressure is the most common symptom for both men and women, but watch for the following signs as well.

There is some variation between men and women in the presentation of a heart attack. The symptoms marked with an asterisk (*) are more common in women.

The timeline for heart attack recovery ranges from two weeks to three months. Treatment typically includes lifestyle changes, medication, and cardiac rehabilitation. Surgical procedures may be necessary to treat more severe cases.

It’s important to actively participate in your health after a heart attack. Recovery care and prevention should be a collaborative effort between you and your care team. Stay on track with your appointments. The American Heart Association recommends visiting your doctor for a follow-up appointment within six weeks of your heart attack.

Many people find enrolling in a cardiac rehabilitation program to be beneficial for heart attack recovery. These programs offer access to expert healthcare professionals who can support you in making changes to your routine and managing stress. Speak with your doctor about whether cardiac rehabilitation is a good fit for your needs. 

Your doctor may advise you to change health habits after a heart attack. For many people that includes: 

Avoiding cigarette smoke and limiting your alcohol intake

Medications prescribed after a heart attack

The primary goal of post-heart attack care is to reduce the risk of another heart attack. A variety of medications may be prescribed to:

Prevent complications such as arrhythmias, blood clots, and heart failure

These are the most commonly prescribed medication classes.

Anticoagulants reduce the blood’s ability to form new clots and prevent existing clots from growing. Commonly prescribed anticoagulants include:

Warfarin (Coumadin®, Jantoven®), which prevents the liver from processing vitamin K into proteins that help form blood clots.

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) such as apixaban (Eliquis®), betrixaban (Bevyxxa®), dabigatran (Pradaxa®), edoxaban (Savaysa®), and rivaroxaban (Xarelto®), which directly block the blood’s ability to form clots.

Like anticoagulants, antiplatelets prevent blood clots from forming. They accomplish this specifically by preventing blood platelets from sticking together. Commonly prescribed antiplatelets include:

Frequently used to lower blood pressure, ACE inhibitors block production of a hormone called angiotensin II, which causes blood vessels to narrow, so that more blood can flow through. Commonly prescribed ACE inhibitors include:

Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) also protect blood vessels from the hormone angiotensin II to lower blood pressure. Commonly prescribed ARBs include:

Beta blockers cause the heart to beat more slowly and less forcefully, lowering your blood pressure. They also help improve overall blood flow by opening up your veins and arteries.

Commonly prescribed beta blockers include:

Beta blockers typically aren’t recommended for those with asthma, as they can trigger severe asthma attacks.

Never stop taking a beta blocker without first consulting with your doctor. Abruptly stopping the use of these medications can increase the risk of heart attack.

Alpha-beta blockers combine alpha and beta blockers to decrease constriction of blood vessels and help the heart work less forcefully.

Commonly prescribed alpha-beta blockers include:

Also used to lower blood pressure, calcium channel blockers prevent calcium from entering the smooth muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels. This opens up narrowed blood vessels and eases the heart’s workload.

Commonly prescribed calcium channel blockers include:

Diltiazem (Cardizem CD®, Cardizem SR®, Dilacor XR®, Tiazac®)

Verapamil (Calan SR®, Covera HS®, Isoptin SR®, Verelan®)

The most common cholesterol-lowering medication, statins act on the liver to prevent cholesterol from forming. Commonly prescribed statins include:

If statins aren’t the best option for you or your cholesterol levels need to decrease further, your doctor may prescribe a non-statin cholesterol medication such as ezetimibe (Zetia®) or alirocumab (Praluent®).

Ezetimibe is a cholesterol absorption inhibitor. It lowers your cholesterol by reducing the small intestine’s absorption of cholesterol.

Alirocumab belongs to a newer class of injectable cholesterol-lowering medications called PCSK9 inhibitors. These medications act on proteins produced by the liver that are linked to high cholesterol levels.

Pharmacy Care After a Heart Attack

Hyperlipidemia refers to high blood levels of two types of lipids: cholesterol and triglycerides. While high cholesterol is the most common type, hyperlipidemia also includes hypertriglyceridemia — in which triglyceride levels are too high — and mixed hyperlipidemia, in which both cholesterol and triglyceride levels are high.

Hyperlipidemia, Explained

Untreated hyperlipidemia is a risk factor for coronary artery disease, and those with the condition may face a greater risk for heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues. Fortunately, all forms of hyperlipidemia can be managed with lifestyle changes and/or medications.

Below, we explain more about the causes and risk factors for hyperlipidemia and how to manage the condition.

Hyperlipidemia occurs when a person’s levels of triglycerides, LDL cholesterol (aka “bad cholesterol”), or both are too high. Both triglycerides and cholesterol are types of lipids, or fatty acids, that move through your blood.

Neither cholesterol nor triglycerides are inherently bad. In fact, your body needs them, and each serves a distinct purpose:

Cholesterol builds cells and some hormones

In high amounts, however, LDL cholesterol and/or triglycerides cause plaque to gradually accumulate inside of your blood vessels. Over time, this makes it increasingly difficult for blood to move through your body. By depriving the heart and brain of nutrients and oxygen, this can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Other complications of hyperlipidemia include:

Hyperlipidemia can develop as the result of genetics, lifestyle factors, other health conditions, and medications.

If you have been prescribed any of the above medications, speak with your doctor about the balance of benefits and risks.

Hyperlipidemia is typically not accompanied by any visible symptoms, so it’s important to stay on track with regular screening.

A lipid profile, or lipid panel, is a simple blood test that measures your levels of:

HDL cholesterol (aka “good cholesterol”)

LDL cholesterol (aka “bad cholesterol”)

The exact definition of “healthy” cholesterol and triglyceride levels depends on a variety of health factors and may vary by individual. Below are general guidelines, however it’s important to work with your doctor to determine your target range.

A healthy range for total cholesterol is typically considered to be less than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL)

A healthy range for HDL cholesterol is typically considered to be higher than 40 mg/dL for men and higher than 50 mg/dL for women

A healthy range for LDL cholesterol is typically considered to be less than 100 mg/dL

A healthy range for triglycerides is typically considered to be less than 150 mg/dL

If your cholesterol and triglycerides are in what your doctor considers to be a healthy range, the recommended frequency for screening is usually every 4-6 years. If you are at a higher risk for heart health issues, you may need more frequent screenings.

In most cases, a doctor will recommend lifestyle changes as the starting point of treatment for hyperlipidemia.

Diet is one of two main sources of cholesterol — the other being your liver — so revisiting your dietary choices is a simple way to rebalance cholesterol and/or triglyceride levels.

Aim to reduce your consumption of saturated fats such as red meat and full-fat dairy products, which increase blood levels of LDL cholesterol. Avoid trans fats such as baked goods, fast food, vegetable shortening, and margarine as much as possible.

Healthy foods to load up on include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, poultry, fish, and nuts.

Exercise is another component of managing hyperlipidemia — and of practicing an overall heart-healthy lifestyle. The American Heart Association suggests 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, or about 30 minutes of moderate to intense exercise each day.

If you are just beginning to develop your workout routine, remember that the important thing is to start somewhere, and you can always work your way up to more intense exercise.

If you have unhealthy cholesterol or triglyceride levels, smoking further increases your risk of heart health issues. If you currently smoke, ask your doctor for smoking cessation resources. If you don’t smoke, try to limit your exposure to secondhand smoke.

Medication may be prescribed to improve cholesterol or triglyceride levels if lifestyle changes aren’t sufficient.

The following types of medications are commonly used to lower cholesterol:

Statins such as atorvastatin (Lipitor®) and fluvastatin (Lescol®) act on the liver to prevent cholesterol from forming. They are the most common cholesterol-lowering medication.

The cholesterol absorption inhibitor Ezetimibe (Zetia®) is the most commonly used non-statin cholesterol medication.

ACL inhibitors such as bempedoic acid (Nexletol®) are often taken in combination with statins to further lower cholesterol in individuals with heart disease. These medications target a certain enzyme to block production of cholesterol in the liver.

For a closer look at cholesterol-lowering medication options, read How to Manage High Cholesterol: Diet, Medications, and More.

The following types of medications are commonly used to lower triglyceride levels:

Fibrates such as Gemfibrozil (Lopid®) and Fenofibrate (Antara®, Lofibra®, Tricor®, and Triglide™) - these typically aren’t recommended for those with severe kidney or liver disease

Niacin, a B vitamin that reduces the liver’s production of blood fats

Prescription-strength fish oil formulations such as Lovaza®

At Alto, we make it as simple as possible to stay on top of your cholesterol-lowering medications. We will work with your doctor, your insurance (if applicable), and any third party savings programs that you may qualify for to ensure your medications are as affordable as possible. And our team of pharmacists is available to chat whenever questions come up about side effects or how to take your medication properly.

To learn more, reach out any time through secure in-app messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881.

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

All third party trademarks (including logos and icons) referenced by Alto Pharmacy remain the property of their respective owners. Unless specifically identified as such, Alto’s use of third party trademarks does not indicate any relationship, sponsorship or endorsement between Alto and the owners of these trademarks.

 Stress doesn’t simply spill into our personal lives, it affects the body in many ways. And it isn’t only short-term ailments like tension headaches or muscle pain to be mindful of — ongoing stress can take a heavy toll on your long-term heart health. In recent years, numerous research studies have found that stress can increase a person’s risk for heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States.

Understanding the Stress-Heart Health Connection

While many people know that high blood pressure, high cholesterol, genetics, and smoking are all key heart disease risk factors, stress isn’t always included in conversations about heart health. As you prioritize a heart-healthy lifestyle, regularly evaluate your stress levels, taking steps to reduce stress and manage it positively when it does arise.

Here’s more on the stress-heart health connection, including coping strategies that will benefit your heart as much as your mind.

Stress triggers physiological changes in the body that can influence heart health. It all starts in the brain. When you encounter a stressful trigger, the amygdala — a portion of the brain responsible for emotional processing — communicates that you are in distress, activating your nervous system.

As part of this process, the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol are released, which can temporarily increase blood pressure and insulin resistance. Sometimes the body’s experience of stress also leads to inflammation in the arteries. Over time this can affect the function of your blood vessels, potentially resulting in atherosclerosis, or the accumulation of plaque in the walls of your arteries.

Less directly, stress has a ripple effect on lifestyle factors related to heart health. Everyone responds to stress in different ways. For some, exercise might be a positive outlet during challenging times. But for others, stress makes it difficult to fit in consistent exercise. (The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week.) And stress frequently goes hand in hand with unhealthy behaviors like smoking and heavy alcohol consumption or other substance use.

There is also the link between stress and sleep, another less discussed heart health risk factor. The overactive nervous system created by chronic stress — and its continuous output of hormones — can create a vicious cycle of anxiety-fueled insomnia and insomnia-fueled anxiety.

Stress presents differently from one person to another. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, talk to your doctor about stress management techniques and other resources.

Stress relief doesn’t have to be a big endeavor. Look for small opportunities, like the following, to engage the body and mind in your daily or weekly routine. (Your heart will thank you!)

Exercise is fundamental to heart-healthy living, and it also happens to be a powerful source of stress relief.

Like the stress-heart health connection itself, the soothing effects of physical activity are grounded in hormones. Exercise is known to lower your levels of adrenaline and cortisol while stimulating production of endorphins, the body’s feel-good chemicals.

Longer blocks of regular exercise are important for your long-term heart health, but in moments of high pressure you’ll feel some stress-relieving benefits from even a quick burst of movement.

As you get moving, find ways to calm the mind. Many practices fall under the umbrella of mindfulness, the cultivation of present moment awareness and shift away from reactivity. Try meditation, yoga, tai chi, walking, or even bringing a bit more attention to your morning coffee or cup of tea.

With so many options for living more mindfully, focus on finding the habits and routines that work for you, and which fit easily into your day.

Deep breathing, a proven tactic for lowering stress hormone levels, is an accessible entry point. You may also benefit from the following resources:

Insight Timer, which offers a variety of free guided meditations

What’s Up?, which uses a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) approach to managing stress and negative thoughts

Healthy stress management isn’t just about using positive coping mechanisms in the moment. You may be able to stop stress before it happens — without getting too far into the future, of course.

Researchers have linked workplace stress, which many U.S. adults experience, to negative heart health. One Swedish study connected a poor experience of a manager to the risk of heart attack.

There are tangible ways to make the demands of a job or responsibilities at home feel more manageable (saying no when it’s necessary for starters). Stress management is personal, so consider what you need and don’t be afraid to ask for it.

At Alto, we make it as simple as possible to manage your risk for heart health issues and follow the treatment plan your doctor recommends. We will work with your doctor, your insurance (if applicable), and any third party savings programs that you may qualify for to ensure your medications are as affordable as possible. And our team of pharmacists is available to chat whenever questions come up about side effects or how to take your medication properly.

Reach out any time through in-app messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881.

Cardiomyopathy refers to a variety of diseases of the heart muscle that affect the heart’s ability to carry out its pumping function. It is a progressive condition that can lead to other heart health issues including heart failure, but it can be managed through a combination of medications, lifestyle changes, surgical procedures, and other types of treatment. Here’s what to know about causes, symptoms, and treatment options for the main types of cardiomyopathy.

Cardiomyopathy, Explained

Cardiomyopathy can be either acquired or inherited. While not all cases of cardiomyopathy have known causes, the following health factors or conditions have been linked to certain forms of cardiomyopathy.

A family health history of cardiomyopathy, heart failure, or sudden cardiac arrest

Coronary artery disease or a history of a heart attack

Endocrine diseases including type 1 and type 2 diabetes and thyroid disorders

Diseases that weaken muscle tissue such as muscular dystrophy 

Cardiomyopathy symptoms vary by individual, and by the specific type of cardiomyopathy. The following signs often become more apparent as the condition progresses.

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, even while at rest

An irregular heartbeat, heart murmur, or heart palpitations

Dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, or briefly passing out

The most common type of cardiomyopathy and a leading cause for heart transplants, dilated cardiomyopathy occurs when the left ventricle — one of the heart’s main pumping chambers — becomes enlarged and cannot pump blood to other organs as effectively as a healthy heart. It can affect individuals of all ages but is most common during middle age. Men are more likely than women to develop dilated cardiomyopathy. Coronary artery disease and heart attacks are common causes, but the condition may also stem from genetics. Those with dilated cardiomyopathy may face a greater risk for heart failure in the long term.

One of the most common forms of genetic heart disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is an inherited condition characterized by thickening of the heart muscle, often in the left ventricle. It affects individuals of all ages but often develops during childhood or early adulthood. There is a strong genetic component to this condition, and most affected individuals have a family history of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. If you have a family history of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, you may want to consult with your physician about genetic testing options. Some individuals with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy develop an arrhythmia, which is an irregular heartbeat.

The least common of the three main types of cardiomyopathy, restrictive cardiomyopathy occurs when the heart muscle stiffens and cannot fill with enough blood between heartbeats. It is most common in older age groups and often occurs as the result of another heart-related health condition such as amyloidosis, hemochromatosis, scleroderma, or sarcoidosis. Restrictive cardiomyopathy itself is not believed to be inherited, but many of the related conditions mentioned above have a genetic component.

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia occurs when muscle in the right ventricle is replaced by fat or scar tissue, potentially leading to heart rhythm issues. It is a rare form of cardiomyopathy that often develops as the result of a genetic mutation and most commonly affects teens and young adults.

Cardiomyopathy treatment varies by individual. Your doctor may recommend a combination of medications, medical devices, or surgical procedures to control your cardiomyopathy symptoms and slow the progression of the condition.

Medications may be used to improve blood flow and the heart’s pumping function, lower blood pressure, slow your heart rate, and/or prevent blood clots. The following types of medications are commonly used in the treatment of cardiomyopathy.

Blood pressure medications such as ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), and diuretics

Heart rate controlling medications such as beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and digoxin (Digox®, Lanoxin®, and Digitek®)

Blood thinners and antiplatelet medications such as warfarin (Coumadin®) and novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs)

Antiarrhythmic medications such as amiodarone (Pacerone®) and dronedarone (Multaq®)

If you are experiencing an arrhythmia as the result of cardiomyopathy, your doctor may recommend a device such as a pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) to help control your heartbeat. Other devices including a cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device and a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) may be used to improve the heart’s pumping function and control blood flow.

Some individuals with cardiomyopathy need a non-surgical procedure to treat their condition or a related arrhythmia. Common procedures include a septal ablation, in which a portion of the thickened heart muscle is destroyed to allow for more blood flow, and a radiofrequency ablation, which targets a portion of abnormal heart tissue to address an abnormal heart rhythm. In more severe cases, open-heart surgery or a heart transplant may be required.

Maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle is another aspect of managing cardiomyopathy, as lifestyle choices can affect the progression of the condition and the severity of symptoms. If you have cardiomyopathy, your doctor may recommend that you quit smoking (if applicable), limit your alcohol intake, plan a heart-healthy diet, and exercise more frequently. While inherited forms of cardiomyopathy cannot be prevented, these healthy habits can lower your risk for related health complications and help you experience an active life.

Reach out any time via phone at 1-800-874-5881 or in-app messaging.

While many heart conditions develop gradually over time, there are others that start before birth. Congenital heart disease refers to a variety of structural problems with the heart that happen while a fetus is still developing. (An individual type of congenital heart disease may also be referred to as a congenital heart defect.) It is the most common birth disorder in the U.S., affecting about 40,000 babies each year, with 800,000 adults living with the condition.

Congenital Heart Disease, Explained

There is a spectrum of severity of congenital heart defects. While about 25% of all babies born with congenital heart disease have a critical heart defect (CHD) that requires surgery or other medical treatment, other types are mild. Take a look at some of the most common congenital heart defects.

In some types of congenital heart disease, the specific causes are unknown. Others have a genetic component and are passed through families. A mother’s health history and lifestyle habits can also affect how a baby’s heart develops in the womb. The following risk factors in a mother have been linked to a baby’s development of congenital heart disease.

Having type 1 or type 2 diabetes, hypertension, obesity, thyroid disorders, or epilepsy

Taking certain medications such as phenytoin and retinoic acid

If you are considering starting a family and have concerns about your baby’s risk of a genetic heart defect, ask your doctor about testing options that may detect a congenital heart disorder during pregnancy. In addition, consult with your doctor if you are unsure if a medication is safe to take during pregnancy.

Congenital heart disease may affect any of the following heart structures:

The right atrium, one of the heart’s two upper chambers which receives blood without oxygen from other parts of the body

The left atrium, the heart’s other upper chamber which receives oxygen-rich blood from the lungs

The right ventricle, one of the heart’s two lower chambers which pumps blood without oxygen from the right atrium to the lungs

The left ventricle, the heart’s other lower chamber which pumps oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body

Coronary arteries, which supply your heart with oxygen-rich blood

The heart’s four valves, which keep blood flowing properly through the heart

The septum, the wall of tissue separating the left and right sides of the heart

These are the most common types of congenital heart disease affecting U.S. adults. Symptoms, treatment, and diagnostic tests vary by heart defect.

Comprising about 20% of all congenital heart disease cases, ventricular septal defect is the most common congenital heart defect in babies. It is a small or large hole between the ventricles. Treatment depends on the size of the hole. If a hole is larger, surgery may be required within a baby’s first four to six months of life. There is often no additional treatment needed after surgery.

Most infants with ventricular septal defect also have a heart murmur, a swishing sound that is audible with a stethoscope. Other symptoms include fast breathing, high heart rates, frequent sweating, even while at rest, and poor weight gain.

Another common type of congenital heart disease, atrial septal defect is a hole between the atria. Many infants with this defect do not have any symptoms.

In about 80% of cases, the hole closes naturally. If the hole does not close, a child may need surgery or a non-surgical procedure known as an interventional cardiac catheterization. As with ventricular septal defect, this condition typically does not require additional treatment after the first procedure.

Tetralogy of fallot (TOF) is a congenital heart defect in which the wall that separates the ventricles — the ventricular septum — is abnormally positioned, with a hole. It can obstruct the flow of blood through the heart, in some cases causing heart muscle to thicken. All TOF cases require surgery, typically within a baby’s first year of life.

Patent ductus arteriosus involves the connection between the aorta and the heart’s pulmonary artery. While in the womb, a baby’s aorta and pulmonary artery are linked by a blood vessel called the ductus arteriosus, which allows blood to flow directly to the aorta. In healthy babies, the ductus arteriosus naturally closes not long after birth. In babies with this heart defect, the blood vessel remains open, potentially causing heavy blood flow to the lungs. 

There are a variety of treatment options for patent ductus arteriosus, including medications, non-invasive procedures, and surgery. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help close a premature baby’s patent ductus arteriosus but typically aren’t effective for full-term babies, children, or adults. If a baby has minimal symptoms, surgery is often delayed until they are between 6 to 12 months old. However, if a baby is experiencing poor weight gain or rapid breathing, surgery may be recommended during their first six months.

Transposition of the great arteries (TGA)

About 10% of all babies with congenital heart disease have transposition of the great arteries (TGA), a problem with the positioning of the two main arteries that carry blood away from the heart to other organs. Babies born with this condition have low oxygen levels, which may cause a bluish tint to the skin. The condition requires a surgical procedure called an arterial switch operation shortly after birth. In most cases, heart function is restored to normal after surgery.

Aortic valve stenosis is an issue with the aortic valve, from which oxygen-rich blood travels to other parts of the body. In healthy babies, the aortic valve has three flaps that open and shut to accommodate the flow of blood. Babies with this defect may have a small aortic valve or the flaps may not function properly. This structural problem can block the flow of blood from the heart, which can put additional pressure on the left ventricle. Treatment depends on the specific issue with the aortic valve and may include a non-invasive procedure or surgery.

Living with congenital heart disease as an adult

Living with congenital heart disease as an adult varies significantly by individual and by condition, given the wide spectrum of these defects. Most adults with a congenital heart defect are regularly monitored by a cardiologist who specializes in congenital heart disease throughout their lives. In some cases, you may have to take additional precautions to prevent complications related to certain types of congenital heart disease such as the following:

Infective endocarditis, an infection caused by bacteria in the heart lining, or in a heart valve or blood vessel. If untreated, it can lead to a blood clot, heart valve damage, or heart failure

Arrhythmia, an irregular heartbeat which can affect the heart’s ability to pump blood and increase your risk of developing a blood clot

Pulmonary hypertension, high blood pressure in the arteries that run from the heart to the lungs

Care for your heart with support from Alto

At Alto, we make it as simple as possible to manage heart health issues and follow the treatment plan your doctor recommends. We will work with your doctor, your insurance (if applicable), and any third party savings programs that you may qualify for to ensure your medications are as affordable as possible. And our team of pharmacists is available to chat whenever questions come up about side effects or how to take your medication properly.

Reach out any time through in-app secure messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881.

Heart failure, which affects approximately 6.2 million U.S. adults, can be a confusing term. Contrary to what many people assume, it does not mean that your heart no longer works, or has stopped beating, but rather that this vital organ cannot pump blood and oxygen as well as a healthy heart.

What to Know About Heart Failure

Heart failure, which affects approximately 6.2 million U.S. adults, can be a confusing term. Contrary to what many people assume, it does not mean that your heart no longer works, or has stopped beating, but rather that this vital organ cannot pump blood and oxygen as well as a healthy heart. While heart failure is a progressive condition with the potential for serious health complications, it can be managed through lifestyle changes and medication. Read on to learn about heart failure symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

In all cases of heart failure, the heart cannot deliver enough blood and oxygen to the rest of your body. Sometimes this is because weakened heart muscle leaves the heart’s main pumping chambers — the ventricles — unable to carry out their pumping function. This type of heart failure is called heart failure with reduced left ventricular function (HF-rEF). In other cases, the ventricles are too stiff to fill with enough blood between beats. This type of heart failure is called heart failure with preserved left ventricular function (HF-pEF).

Ejection fraction (EF) is an important measurement of heart function for those who have heart failure with reduced left ventricular function. Expressed as a percentage, EF measures the amount of blood pumped from the left ventricle when it contracts. An EF of 55 to 70% is considered a healthy range.

Since heart failure is a progressive condition, your EF gives your doctor insight into any changes in your heart function. An echocardiogram is the most common way to measure your EF, but a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan or nuclear stress test may also be used.

Despite the importance of EF, it is not the sole determinant of heart function. Those who have heart failure with preserved left ventricular function may have a normal EF. These cases of heart failure are often caused by high blood pressure, which gradually thickens the ventricles. Stiff ventricles cannot relax enough to fill to their full capacity, which is why they do not pump out enough blood.

Heart failure can affect many other organs, including the lungs, liver, and kidneys. The potential for additional health complications increases as heart disease progresses, which is why it’s important to stay proactive about your health and follow your doctor’s recommendations for treatment.

Heart failure primarily occurs as the result of other health conditions that weaken or stiffen the heart. Coronary artery disease, the most common type of heart disease, is the leading cause of heart failure. The condition gradually narrows and thickens the arteries that supply your heart with blood and oxygen. Severe blockages in the arteries can prevent the heart from pumping enough blood, leading to the development of heart failure.

High blood pressure is another common cause of heart failure, particularly cases of heart failure with preserved left ventricular function (HF-pEF). If you have high blood pressure, your heart has to work harder to deliver blood to the rest of your body. Over time, this can make your left ventricle too stiff to properly pump out blood.

Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are linked to heart failure, as high blood sugar can affect your blood vessels and cardiac nerves. Heart failure may also be caused by a variety of heart health conditions including cardiomyopathy, congenital heart disease, heart valve disease, and arrhythmias.

Lifestyle factors such as smoking, eating a high-cholesterol or high-sodium diet, heavy alcohol consumption, and a lack of physical activity may increase your risk for heart failure, especially if you have one of the conditions above.

These are some of the most common symptoms of heart failure:

Shortness of breath when exercising or lying down

Fatigue and a feeling of weakness in your legs

Swelling in your ankles, legs, and abdomen

A persistent dry, hacking cough or wheezing

There is a spectrum of severity of heart failure cases, and treatment varies by individual depending upon symptoms and heart function, as well as the underlying cause. If you have early-stage heart failure, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes and prescribe medications that can alleviate symptoms and prevent the condition from progressing.

The following medication classes, many of which lower blood pressure, are commonly used to treat early stages of heart failure.

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors

Often used to treat high blood pressure, ACE inhibitors block production of a hormone that causes blood vessels to narrow, helping constricted blood vessels expand so that more blood can flow through.

Like ACE inhibitors, ARBs protect blood vessels from a hormone that causes them to narrow, lowering blood pressure.

Another medication class commonly used in the treatment of high blood pressure, beta blockers cause the heart to beat more slowly, which lowers your blood pressure and opens up your veins and arteries.

Calcium channel blockers prevent calcium from entering the smooth muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels so that the heart can beat with less force. This opens up narrowed blood vessels and lowers blood pressure.

Blog

Medications Used After a Heart Attack

Hyperlipidemia, Explained

Understanding the Stress-Heart Health Connection

Cardiomyopathy, Explained

Congenital Heart Disease, Explained

What to Know About Heart Failure

How Sleep Affects Heart Health & Tips for Better Sleep

Prioritize Your Health with Preventative Care

How Mental Health Affects Heart Health

Two Engineers Crunch the Numbers: When Is It Cheaper to Pay Cash for Your Medication?

Your Heart Health Playbook During COVID-19

Your Top 5 Questions About Heart Health, Answered!

Switch to a better pharmacy.