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High cholesterol is one of the heart disease risk factors that you have control over. Here’s an overview of how to manage high cholesterol through a combination of diet, lifestyle changes, and medication.

How to Manage High Cholesterol: Diet, Medications, and More

Cholesterol isn’t inherently bad. Your body needs the waxy, fat-like substance to produce cell membranes, hormones, and nutrients like vitamin D. But too much of it — especially low-density lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterol, which accumulates in the walls of your blood vessels and is also referred to as “bad” cholesterol — can increase your risk for heart disease and stroke.

The good news? High cholesterol is one of the heart disease risk factors that you have control over. There are many changes you can make to bring down your cholesterol levels, which in turn will strengthen your overall cardiovascular health. Here’s an overview of how to manage high cholesterol through a combination of diet, lifestyle changes, and medication.

How to lower cholesterol levels with diet

There are two sources of cholesterol: your liver and the foods you eat. This means that you can begin to lower your cholesterol simply by paying attention to your diet and limiting high-cholesterol foods.

There are several categories of high-cholesterol foods to pay attention to. Saturated fats, which are typically solid at room temperature, increase levels of LDL cholesterol in your blood. You don’t have to avoid saturated fats altogether, however you should try to decrease your consumption of them. The American Heart Association suggests aiming for a diet in which 5-6% of the total calories consumed come from saturated fat. Common sources of saturated fats include red meat and full-fat dairy products.

Trans fats, also known as partially hydrogenated oils, are mainly formed through an industrial process which causes oil to become solid at room temperature. These fats are considered the least healthy to eat and should be avoided altogether as much as possible. While the Food and Drug Administration has banned food manufacturers from adding trans fats to foods, it’s still a good idea to check the label of the following foods for partially hydrogenated oils (how trans fats appear on nutrition labels): 

Cookies, cakes, and other baked goods, including frozen products

On the other hand, unsaturated fats — found in plant-based oils such as olive oil and canola oil as well as tree nuts like almonds, walnuts, and pecans — can lower high cholesterol levels. Omega-3 fatty acids — found in fish like salmon, mackerel, herring, and tuna — and soluble fiber — found in beans, peas, lentils, oats, and whole grains — will round out a low-cholesterol diet.

Other lifestyle changes can significantly lower your LDL cholesterol levels naturally, including exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding cigarette smoke, and limiting your alcohol consumption.

Moderate physical activity can help lower LDL cholesterol and increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, or “good” cholesterol. Aim for about 30 minutes of moderate to intense exercise per day. Everyone’s fitness needs are different, and it’s okay to start slower and work your way up to more vigorous activity.

Being overweight or obese increases your levels of LDL cholesterol, since excess body fat impacts your body’s ability to clear LDL cholesterol from your bloodstream.

Doctors may calculate your body mass index (BMI) to determine if your weight is in a healthy range. Consult your doctor about what a healthy weight is for you, and work together on a diet and fitness plan to help you reach and maintain that weight.

Smoking when you have unhealthy cholesterol levels increases your risk of heart disease even further. In addition, both smoking and vaping lower HDL cholesterol. Quitting can both lower your LDL cholesterol (bad) and increase your HDL cholesterol (good) levels.

If you currently smoke, ask your doctor for smoking cessation resources such as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), which reduces withdrawal symptoms. If you are a nonsmoker, try to avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.

Too much alcohol can increase your cholesterol levels, so it’s important to limit your intake as you work on managing your cholesterol. The CDC recommends no more than two drinks per day for men and no more than one for women.

How to manage high cholesterol with medication

For some people, diet and exercise may be enough to manage cholesterol levels. In other cases, medication may be necessary to lower LDL cholesterol levels, increase HDL cholesterol levels, or both. There are several different classes of cholesterol medications. Your doctor can advise you on the best option for your needs.

Statins, also known as HMG CoA reductase inhibitors, act on the liver to prevent cholesterol from forming and limit the overall amount of cholesterol circulating in your bloodstream. They are most effective at lowering LDL cholesterol but can also help increase HDL cholesterol and lower triglycerides, or blood fats.

In most cases, side effects are mild and often disappear as your body adjusts to the medications. Your doctor may order tests on liver function, but liver abnormalities are rare. Statins are not safe to take if you are pregnant or you have chronic liver disease.

Ezetimibe (Zetia®) is a cholesterol absorption inhibitor and the most commonly used non-statin cholesterol medication. Potential side effects include:

This medication is not safe to take during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

PCSK9 inhibitors bind to a protein found in liver cells to lower LDL cholesterol. They are administered as injections every 2-4 weeks. Commonly prescribed medications in this class include:

The primary side effect is itching, swelling, pain, or bruising at the injection site.

ACL inhibitors act on the liver to block cholesterol production. They are often taken in combination with statins to help further lower LDL in people with heart disease and people with familial heterozygous hypercholesterolemia, a genetic condition that causes high LDL cholesterol.

Commonly prescribed ACL inhibitors include:

Bempedoic acid and ezetimibe (Nexlizet®)

There are several additional medication classes which are not as commonly prescribed but do have a proven mild LDL-lowering action, including fibrates and niacin.

Fibrates are primarily used to lower blood triglyceride levels, however they may also be used to raise HDL and lower LDL cholesterol. 

Fenofibrate (Antara®, Lofibra®, Tricor®, and Triglide™)

Potential side effects include nausea, stomach pain, and muscle pain.

Niacin is a B vitamin that reduces the liver’s production of blood fats. It is very effective at lowering triglycerides and is sometimes prescribed to lower LDL cholesterol.

Niacin comes in prescription form and as a dietary supplement. The latter is not a replacement for a prescription, and it’s important to only take niacin if your doctor has prescribed it.

Liver function should be closely monitored while taking niacin. If you have diabetes, it’s important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of niacin with your doctor, as it can raise blood sugar levels.

There often are not any visible signs or symptoms of high cholesterol, so the only way to determine your cholesterol levels is through a simple blood test called a lipid profile.

Most adults who are in good health have their cholesterol checked every four to six years. If you have heart disease, diabetes, or a family history of high cholesterol, you will need more frequent screening. Consult with your doctor about recommended screening frequency.

Exceptional pharmacy care to strengthen your health

At Alto, we’re committed to making it as simple as possible to stay on top of your cholesterol-lowering medications. We offer same-day delivery and medication management tools like reminders and auto refills  in our app. And our team of pharmacists are always here to answer your questions by phone or through our app, and will even remind you when your medications are due for a refill.

Reach out any time to get started by phone at 1-800-874-5881 or download the app for secure messaging!

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.

Practicing preventative health is critical to detecting health issues early on, when they are more treatable, and lowering your risk of developing conditions that are otherwise avoidable.

Prioritize Your Health with Preventative Care

If you’ve ever waited until you’re sick to see a doctor, you’re not alone. Many adults in the U.S. put off routine doctor’s appointments — sometimes even when they don’t feel well. 

These delays can be serious: according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, up to 40% of all fatalities linked to the five leading causes of death in the U.S. — heart disease, cancer, chronic lower respiratory diseases, stroke, and unintentional injuries — could have been prevented. Untreated blood pressure or cholesterol and unhealthy lifestyle habits factors heavily into many of these cases.

Practicing preventative health is critical to detecting health issues early on, when they are more treatable, and lowering your risk of developing conditions that are otherwise avoidable. Preventative care involves a combination of annual check-ups, vaccinations, screenings, and healthy lifestyle habits. 

If you haven’t been to the doctor in a while, don’t get discouraged. The important thing is to get back in the habit. Below is an overview of preventative care for both men and women, with recommendations from our pharmacists for how to ensure you’re prioritizing your health.

There are several important numbers that help your doctor understand your risk for health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes: your body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels.

Being overweight or obese increases your risk for many different health conditions, including high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. 

Body mass index (BMI) is a screening tool that doctors use for obesity. A healthy BMI is typically between 18.5 to 24.9, while a BMI between 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight and a BMI of 30 or higher is obese.

Keep in mind that while a BMI does help doctors understand your general risk for the chronic conditions mentioned above, it is merely a snapshot of your health and doesn’t account for other important health factors including age and genetics. Your healthcare provider can help you understand your overall priorities with preventative care beyond any single number, which is another important reason to stay up to date with doctor’s appointments.

Your blood pressure numbers are one of several factors that can help your doctor predict your risk for heart disease and cardiac events like a heart attack or stroke. There are five different blood pressure ranges recognized by the American Heart Association:

If your blood pressure is in the normal range, you should get screened at least once per year. If your blood pressure is in a higher range, consult with your doctor about recommended screening frequency.

Read our previous blog to learn more about managing blood pressure.

A cholesterol blood test, also called a lipid profile or lipid panel, gives results for several different readings: HDL (good) cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, triglycerides, and total blood (or serum) cholesterol. Your total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol levels are particularly important in helping your doctor identify if you are at risk for a heart attack or stroke.

A healthy range for total cholesterol is considered to be less than 200 mg/dL

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

These targets are intended to be general guidelines, and each individual’s health needs are different. Having type 2 diabetes, smoking, being overweight, and not getting enough physical activity can affect your cholesterol levels. Your healthcare provider can help you determine your personal targets.

If your total cholesterol is under 200 mg/dL, you can have your cholesterol checked every 4-6 years. If you are at higher risk for heart disease and stroke, consult your doctor about recommended screening frequency.

Your blood glucose numbers can help your doctor determine if you have diabetes or are at risk for developing it. A blood sugar level under 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) is typical considered healthy, while a reading between 140 and 199 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L and 11.0 mmol/L) may indicate prediabetes and a reading over 200 mg/dL may indicate diabetes. A discussion of these numbers with your healthcare provider is required for an official diagnosis of diabetes.

Generally speaking, if your blood glucose numbers are under 140 mg/dL, you should get screened at least every three years. If you have prediabetes you will need more frequent screening.

If you have diabetes, your healthcare provider can help you develop individualized targets for healthy blood sugar levels, which may be different from the numbers above. Try not to worry about what “normal” looks like for other people, and focus instead on taking simple actions to control your diabetes and live your healthiest life, like staying active and quitting unhealthy habits.

You should have an annual check-up once per calendar year. This appointment is the foundation of preventative care: since each individual’s risk for specific preventable health conditions may vary, discussing your personal health history and vital signs with your doctor will help you determine which preventative measures to prioritize.

In addition to checking with your physician about which vaccines, screenings, and medical tests you need, ask if your family history indicates an increased risk for any health conditions.

Prevention and screening become more important as you age. Regular colorectal cancer screening is recommended for everyone 50 and over. If you have risk factors like an immediate family member with colorectal cancer, your doctor may suggest earlier screening.

The American Cancer Society recommends annual mammograms for all women between 45 and 54. Some women begin screening for breast cancer as early as age 40 depending on their risk and family history. Women 55 and older can continue with yearly mammograms or switch to every two years. Your doctor can help you determine the right screening frequency for your individual needs. 

Preventative health doesn’t just happen in your doctor’s office. Everyday choices like what you eat and how often you exercise can protect your health for years to come.

Staying active is one of the most important things you can do to prevent cardiovascular disease and maintain a healthy weight. If you’re just starting to figure out your ideal exercise routine, know that you don’t have to exert yourself too hard to reap the benefits of physical activity. Even just 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week can help strengthen your heart.

Everyone should do their best to limit their intake of the following foods, but it’s especially important if you face a greater risk for heart disease or diabetes:

Saturated and trans fats, which can raise your cholesterol

Sodium, which may increase your blood pressure

Sweets and sugar-sweetened beverages, which have been linked to both type 2 diabetes and an increased risk for heart disease

Other things you can do to stay healthy? Chronic stress can elevate your blood pressure, putting you at a greater risk for heart attack and stroke, so try to manage stress in heart-healthy ways like getting enough sleep, maintaining a fulfilling social life, and practicing mindfulness and gratitude. And it’s never a bad time to cut back on your alcohol consumption and quit smoking, if you currently smoke.

Prioritizing your physical and mental well-being today can help you prevent health issues in the future. We’re here to help make that as simple as possible.

At Alto, a pharmacist is your partner in health. If you take medication, we will work with your doctor, your insurance (if applicable), and any third party savings programs that you may qualify for to make your medications as affordable as possible. And our team of patient care pharmacists is available to chat whenever questions come up. Reach out through our in-app messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881.

Despite the initial challenges of a type 1 diagnosis, managing your child’s diabetes does get easier. Here’s an overview of the information you need to manage your child’s diagnosis.

How to Manage Your Child’s Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosis

Your child’s type 1 diabetes diagnosis affects the entire family. As a parent, it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed as you get up to speed on their treatment plan, including insulin therapy,  blood glucose testing, and coordinating with your insurance provider.

“There’s so much information thrown at you right away, and we didn’t know what we didn’t know,” shared Lucinda, a Partnership Manager at Alto whose 5-year-old son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes last year. “Insurance coverage is particularly complicated with diabetes, even for someone who works in healthcare like me, because you’re dealing with so many medications and supplies that aren’t commonly prescribed.”

Despite the initial challenges of a type 1 diagnosis, managing your child’s diabetes does get easier. By staying on top of daily blood sugar management and surrounding your family with a strong support system, your child will be able to have a healthy, active life — and you will be able to find some peace of mind. Here’s an overview of the information you need to manage your child’s type 1 diabetes diagnosis

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body mistakenly destroys the pancreas’s insulin-producing cells. Your body needs insulin to properly convert a simple sugar known as glucose into energy. Without insulin, blood sugar levels rise in people with type 1 diabetes, which can cause life-threatening health complications if untreated.

While type 1 diabetes can be diagnosed in adults, the majority of cases develop during childhood (the condition was once referred to as juvenile diabetes). In some cases, symptoms appear in children less than a year old.

Blood sugar levels typically rise very quickly as the condition develops. Some of the common initial symptoms of type 1 diabetes include increased thirst, frequent urination, extreme hunger, weight loss, and fatigue. Your child may feel very sick within two to three weeks following the onset of the condition.

Insulin therapy is the cornerstone of treatment for type 1 diabetes. Since individuals with type 1 diabetes don’t produce any insulin at all, they need to take insulin every day to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

Insulin is most commonly administered with a syringe, but additional methods of delivery include insulin pumps and pens. There are five main types of insulin categorized by how quickly they work and how long they last: rapid-acting, regular or short-acting, intermediate-acting, long-acting, and ultra long-acting. 

It’s important to work with your child’s healthcare provider to find the right insulin dosage, as taking too much or too little can cause rapid changes in blood glucose levels. Many people with diabetes need to take a combination of rapid or short-acting and long-acting insulins throughout the day. This best replicates the natural actions of a normally functioning pancreas, which releases a continual supply of insulin with additional bursts when you eat.

Read our previous blog to learn more about getting started with insulin therapy.

The goal of insulin therapy is to keep your child’s blood sugar in a healthy range. For people without diabetes, a typical blood sugar range is 70 to 125 mg/dL when fasting. People with diabetes should typically try to stay between 70 to 180 mg/dL. 

Your child’s healthcare provider will let you know what your child’s blood sugar target range is. Individual blood sugar targets will vary depending on factors like age, physical activity, and the severity of the condition. It will likely change as your child grows.

Daily testing is the only way to ensure that your child’s blood sugar is within their target range. It will also offer insight into how food and physical activity affect your child’s blood sugar levels throughout the day.

As with insulin therapy, checking your child’s blood sugar using a blood glucose meter will become routine. You will likely need to check and record your child’s blood sugar several times throughout the day, including before meals and snacks, before and after exercise, and before bed. Logging results from blood sugar tests is very important for noticing patterns and determining if any adjustments to your child’s treatment are necessary. Apps like Glucose and mySugr are helpful tools that allow you to identify trends over time.

Your doctor will advise you on your child’s individual needs with blood sugar monitoring. You may have to check their blood sugar levels more frequently when they are sick, if their routine changes, or if they start a new medication. A continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device, which measures blood sugar every few minutes through a temporary or implanted sensor inserted under the skin, is helpful for individuals who need to monitor blood sugar levels more closely. Consult with your child’s healthcare provider about whether or not a CGM device is appropriate.

Carbohydrates increase blood sugar levels more than any other nutrient, so monitoring how many carbs your child consumes every day is another important aspect of blood sugar management.

Advanced meal planning is important, as your child’s daily insulin dosage is based on their insulin-to-carb ratio. They should be able to eat a variety of foods so long as you carefully plan out meals and spread their carb intake throughout the day.

Your child’s healthcare provider can help you determine your child’s target carb ratio. While this is a healthy baseline to aim for, blood sugar naturally fluctuates throughout the day. There may be times when additional carbs are needed to treat low blood sugar, or when extra insulin is required to bring high blood sugar levels down.

By no means should a type 1 diabetes diagnosis prevent your child from staying active. In fact, exercise offers individuals with type 1 diabetes additional benefits like lowering blood sugar and improving insulin sensitivity. 

However, exercise may sometimes cause a drop in blood sugar levels, so it’s important to check blood sugar levels beforehand. Stock up on carbohydrate-rich snacks such as dried fruits, trail mix, or granola bars to treat low blood sugar, keeping in mind that physical activity is often more unplanned and spontaneous with children and adolescents than it is with adults. 

The American Diabetes Association recommends giving 5-15 grams of carbs, depending on your child’s age and weight, for every 30 minutes of sustained physical activity in tandem with frequent monitoring of blood sugar levels.

Low blood sugar is also known as hypoglycemia. For many individuals with diabetes, hypoglycemia occurs when their blood sugar is less than 70 mg/dL. However, diabetes treatment plans are individualized, and your child may have a different blood sugar target range, so be sure to consult with your child’s physician.

There are many reasons why blood sugar may fall, including not eating enough, exercising too much, taking too much insulin, or not taking insulin at the right time. Initial signs of hypoglycemia include feeling sweaty, shaky, and hungry. As blood sugar drops further, additional symptoms include feeling weak, having difficulty walking or seeing clearly, getting disoriented, and having seizures.

If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, check their blood sugar and treat immediately with fast-acting sources of glucose, including fruit snacks, juice boxes, glucose tabs, or glucose gels. In cases of severe hypoglycemia — 55 mg/dL or less for many individuals with diabetes — glucagon can be used to restore blood sugar.

On the other end of the spectrum, a blood sugar of 180 mg/dL or higher is usually considered hyperglycemia or high blood sugar. It frequently occurs when too little insulin is taken for the amount of carbs consumed, but factors like illness, stress, and hormonal changes can also lead to hyperglycemia. Common signs include extreme thirst, frequent urination, or increased hunger.

If you notice any of these hyperglycemia symptoms in your child, check their blood sugar levels and follow the treatment plan your doctor has recommended, which may include a dose of rapid acting insulin, water, or other carbohydrate-free beverages.

A crucial step to preparing for emergency hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia is informing your child’s school of their type 1 diabetes diagnosis. View the JDRF’s back to school checklist for more on what your child’s teachers should know.

You never have to be alone on this journey. In addition to your child’s clinical team, other parents of children with diabetes, who know exactly what you’re going through, are a powerful resource. And for Lucinda and her family, growing a strong support network has been invaluable.

“Your child’s diabetes diagnosis changes everything in your life, and that’s the part that people don’t always get to discuss at the doctor’s office,” she said. “I wish I had known to connect with other parents of children with type 1 diabetes immediately.”

Visit the caregiving section of the American Diabetes Association’s online Support Community to start building your own network of parents who are also managing their children’s diabetes.

It’s also important to have a pharmacy that will advocate for your child’s care, as the condition involves a steep learning curve with medications and supplies.

“I never felt supported by a pharmacy until I used Alto for my son’s diabetes medications,” Lucinda said. “Questions about insurance coverage are handled seamlessly, and as a busy working mom, it’s so helpful to be able to quickly schedule a delivery in the app.”

She added, “With diabetes, any pharmacy missteps like improper medication packaging or storage can be life-threatening. It brings me so much peace of mind to know that I never have to worry about that with Alto.”

A diabetes pharmacy partner you can rely on

Alto is with you every step of the way in managing your child’s diabetes. We make it simple to follow the treatment plan your child’s doctor recommends, with proper packaging of temperature-controlled medications and free same-day delivery right to your doorstep.

We also offer extra support to address the challenges that are specific to managing diabetes, like getting started with insulin therapy. Our pharmacists are available to walk you through your child’s first insulin doses and discuss any symptoms or side effects to determine if an adjustment is needed.

And since a diabetes diagnosis brings lots of new insurance terminology related to your child’s medications and supplies, we compiled a guide that breaks down the key insurance terms you’re likely to encounter. We’ll tackle the administrative legwork, too, coordinating with your doctor’s office and submitting any necessary paperwork, so that you can focus on your child’s care instead of phone calls with your insurance provider.

Get started or learn more about Alto by reaching out at any time via phone at 1-800-874-5881 or in-app messaging.

With effective treatment, including blood pressure medications, you can live an active life. Learn about the common blood pressure medications and their side effects.

Common Types of Blood Pressure Medications

High blood pressure, which affects nearly half of all U.S. adults, occurs when the force of the blood flowing through your arteries is consistently too high, forcing the heart to work harder. Over time, high blood pressure can damage major organs including the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes and lead to life-threatening issues like heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.

With effective treatment, including both heart-healthy lifestyle habits and prescription blood pressure medications, you can control your blood pressure and live an active life. There are a variety of blood pressure medications, and it may take some time for you and your doctor to determine the best treatment for your needs. The good news is that with so many available and effective medications, you’re likely to find one that’s right for you. Read on to learn more about the most common classes of blood pressure medications and their side effects.

Diuretics lower blood pressure by helping the body get rid of excess sodium and water, reducing the volume of fluid in blood vessels. They are often a frontline treatment for high blood pressure, as research studies have found them to be one of the most effective blood pressure medication classes at preventing stroke and heart attack fatalities.

Diuretics commonly used to treat high blood pressure include:

Chlorthalidone (Thalitone®, Tenoretic®, and Clorpres®)

Hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril®, Microzide®, and Esidrix®)

Common side effects of diuretics include dehydration, thirst, low sodium levels, headaches, and dizziness. In some cases, drinking more fluids isn’t enough to treat dehydration. Contact your doctor if you experience severe thirst, mouth dryness, or constipation; if your urine is a deep yellow; or if you have a bad headache. Taking multiple medications may exacerbate these side effects. To minimize medication interactions, speak with your doctor about the ideal timing of doses for each medication.

Some diuretics decrease your potassium levels, in which case you may experience weakness, leg cramps, or fatigue. Eating potassium-rich foods can help combat these side effects. Consult with your doctor about taking potassium supplements if you experience any of these symptoms.

Diuretics may increase blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Adjusting your diet or the dosages of your diabetes medication(s) often addresses this issue. Learn more about how Alto can support your diabetes treatment.

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.

Beta blockers commonly used to treat high blood pressure include:

Common side effects from taking beta blockers include:

Beta blockers may block signs of low blood sugar such as a rapid heart rate in people with diabetes. If you have diabetes and take insulin, it’s important to check blood sugar levels often while taking beta blockers.

These medications may also affect your cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Most often, they cause a modest increase in triglycerides, a type of fat found in your blood, and a slight decrease in HDL (high-density lipoprotein), or “good” cholesterol. These changes are usually temporary.

Beta blockers aren’t typically used by people with asthma, as they may trigger severe asthma attacks. Abruptly stopping use of beta-blockers may increase your risk of a heart attack or other health complications, especially if you have been taking the medication for a long time. Consult with your healthcare provider about the potential risks and benefits of treating your hypertension with beta-blockers.

ACE inhibitors lower blood pressure by blocking production of a hormone called angiotensin II, which causes blood vessels to narrow. These medications help constricted blood vessels expand so that more blood can flow through.

ACE inhibitors commonly used to treat high blood pressure include:

A chronic dry, hacking cough is one of the most common side effects of ACE inhibitors, affecting as many as 35% of people who take these medications. Researchers aren’t entirely sure why some people experience this side effect and not others, but the following factors may contribute to it:

Gender — women tend to be more susceptible

Studies have found that a combination of two or more of the factors above is needed to produce the side effect.

Cough medicines typically aren’t effective at treating an ACE inhibitor-related cough. In some cases, this side effect may improve on its own. If you are experiencing a cough from taking ACE inhibitors, the best course of action is to discuss the pros and cons of switching to another medication with your doctor.

Additional possible side effects of ACE inhibitors include:

ACE inhibitors can harm both mother and baby during pregnancy. If you’re taking an ACE inhibitor and think you might be pregnant, speak with your doctor immediately.

Like ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) also protect blood vessels from the hormone angiotensin II. Angiotensin II must bind with a receptor site to constrict blood vessels. ARBs block the receptors to prevent blood vessels from tightening, which lowers blood pressure.

ARBs commonly used to treat high blood pressure include:

ARBs may produce harmful interactions with other medications. This medication class should not be taken with an ACE inhibitor, as the combination can lead to a greater risk for low blood pressure, kidney damage, and high potassium levels. Speak with your doctor before taking painkillers like ibuprofen or naproxen, as these medications may interact with ARBs to increase your potassium levels.

ARBs are not safe to take during pregnancy, as they can severely harm a developing fetus. If you think you might be pregnant, consult with your doctor immediately.

Calcium channel blockers prevent calcium from entering the smooth muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels. Decreasing the calcium in these cells makes the heart beat with less force, opening up narrowed blood vessels and lowering blood pressure.

Calcium channel blockers commonly used to treat high blood pressure include:

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

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

Possible side effects of calcium channel blockers include:

The body releases hormones called catecholamines in response to stress. When these hormones bind to parts of cells called alpha-receptors, blood vessels narrow, causing the heart to beat faster and more forcefully. This leads to an increase in blood pressure.

Alpha blockers prevent catecholamines from binding to alpha-receptors so that blood can flow more freely, which also helps the heart beat more normally. This helps control blood pressure.

Alpha blockers commonly used to treat high blood pressure include:

Possible side effects of alpha blockers include:

A drop in blood pressure when you stand up

Consult your doctor about the potential risks and benefits of taking an alpha blocker. These medications have been known to interact with other medications like beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and medications for erectile dysfunction, increasing or decreasing their effects. Make sure your doctor is aware of any other medications you take.

When combined, alpha blockers and beta blockers prevent catecholamine hormones from binding to both alpha and beta receptors. These medications decrease the constriction of blood vessels and make the heart work less forcefully.

Alpha-beta blockers commonly used to treat high blood pressure include:

Common Types of Blood Pressure Medications 

With effective treatment, including both heart-healthy lifestyle habits and prescription blood pressure medications, you can control your blood pressure and live an active life. Read on to learn more about the most common classes of blood pressure medications and their side effects.

Preparing a diabetes emergency kit ensures that you can manage your blood sugar and stay on top of your medications under any circumstances. Here’s a checklist of the items that every diabetes emergency kit should include.

How to Prepare a Diabetes Emergency Kit

Diabetes requires daily management of blood sugar levels, and any type of unforeseen emergency can pose serious challenges for people living with the condition. Preparing a diabetes emergency kit ensures that you can manage your blood sugar and stay on top of your medications under any circumstances.

Here’s a checklist of the items that every diabetes emergency kit should include. Pack them in a waterproof, insulated bag, and keep it in your house near an accessible exit. Be sure to go through your kit every few months to make sure the medication and food hasn’t expired.

In the event of an emergency, it’s critical that first responders and medical personnel are aware of your diabetes diagnosis and other important information about your health, including:

Details about medication dosage, timing, and frequency

There are a variety of apps that make it easy to store and share your medical history during an emergency, including GenieMD, MTBC PHR, and CareZone. Wearing a diabetes medical ID bracelet can also ensure that you receive the treatment you need in an emergency situation.

Set aside a week’s worth of your diabetes medication. If you have type 1 diabetes, this will include insulin. If you take insulin as an injection, be sure to pack backup syringes. If you use an insulin pump, pack extra reservoirs, infusion sets, and batteries, and include vials of insulin and syringes in case the pump stops working.

If you have type 2 diabetes, your diabetes emergency kit may include oral or injectable medication that helps your body use insulin more effectively. Some people with type 2 diabetes also take insulin.

If you take medication that requires refrigeration like insulin, exenatide, or pramlintide, include a cold pack and insulated bag in your diabetes emergency kit. Ice packs will generally stay frozen for 24-36 hours in an insulated bag, so rotate the ice packs in your kit and make sure there’s always a backup in the freezer.

Monitoring blood sugar levels is an important component of diabetes management. If you take insulin to control your blood sugar, your blood glucose levels can drop too low if you take more insulin than needed or if you eat less or exercise more than usual. Your body needs enough blood sugar to properly function, and low blood sugar can lead to seizures or loss of consciousness if left unaddressed.

Pack a blood glucose meter or a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) in your diabetes emergency kit to measure your blood sugar levels. Include the following supplies as well:

It’s important to have extra sources of glucose on hand if you experience drops in blood sugar levels, also called hypoglycemia. There are a variety of options to restore your blood glucose levels:

Glucose tablets, available over the counter (Lift Glucose Chews, TRUEplus® Glucose Tablets, ReliOn™ Glucose Tablets)

Glucose gel, available over the counter (Dex4® Glucose Gel, Glutose™ 15/Glutose™ 45, Insta-Glucose®)

Snacks like dried fruits, trail mix, honey, or granola bars, which contain carbohydrates that the body can convert into glucose

You should also carry glucagon in case of severe hypoglycemia. Learn more about the purpose of glucagon in diabetes treatment.

Hydration is critical for people with diabetes, since dehydration can cause blood sugar levels to spike. Store a three-day supply of at least one gallon per person a day at home — the CDC’s recommendation for emergency preparation — and include a couple 16 oz bottles of water in your diabetes emergency kit.

Our dedicated diabetes team is here to support you at every step of the way. We offer free same-day delivery of medications and supplies right to your doorstep, and we handle everything behind the scenes, too, from investigating cost-saving opportunities to submitting prior authorizations with your doctor and more.

Get started or learn more about Alto by reaching out at any time via or phone at 1-800-874-5881 or in-app messaging.

In the event of a hypoglycemia emergency, a hormone called glucagon can help people with diabetes restore their blood sugar to a healthy range. Here’s what to know about hypoglycemia and the purpose of glucagon in diabetes treatment.

The Purpose of Glucagon in Diabetes Treatment

For people with diabetes, monitoring blood sugar levels is a balancing act. In general, diabetes causes higher levels of blood sugar because the body lacks insulin. Without the right treatment, high blood sugar can lead to serious health complications in the long term, including cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and vision loss.

At the same time, people with diabetes who take insulin as part of their treatment face an increased risk for low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia. This is a serious health concern in its own right, as severe hypoglycemia episodes can lead to seizures or the loss of consciousness.

The role of insulin in diabetes treatment

Insulin can help manage both of the two main types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2 diabetes. People with type 1 diabetes, which often begins during childhood or adolescence, cannot produce any insulin at all, so they need insulin injections every day to control their levels of blood glucose.

Type 2 diabetes, which develops gradually due to a mixture of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors, involves two key problems with insulin production: cells in the body become resistant to insulin, and the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to regulate levels of blood glucose. It may be possible to manage early-stage type 2 diabetes with oral medication and healthy lifestyle habits, but many people with more advanced type 2 diabetes take insulin injections to manage their blood sugar.

Insulin must be injected into the fatty tissue under your skin to reach the bloodstream. It may be administered with a syringe, pen, or pump. Read our previous blog for an overview of insulin in diabetes treatment.

Blood sugar targets and insulin reactions

Blood sugar naturally fluctuates throughout the day depending on calorie intake, physical activity, and other factors including stress and sleep. The goal of insulin therapy is to keep your insulin levels as steady as possible to avoid rapid changes in your blood glucose levels. However, blood sugar can fall outside of the healthy range, even with the right dosage of insulin.

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