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Treatment for high cholesterol varies by individual. While some people are able to manage their cholesterol levels with lifestyle changes like exercise and diet alone, others need medication to lower their risk for heart health issues.

When Is Medication Necessary to Manage Cholesterol?

It’s common to have concerns about beginning treatment with medication, but remember that taking cholesterol-lowering medication is normal: more than 40 million U.S. adults take statins, the first-line medication for high cholesterol. And if you have high cholesterol, the most important thing is working with your doctor to determine what you need to live your healthiest life.

Below, we explain more about different cholesterol treatment options and when it may be necessary to take medication.

Before we dive in, let’s review the basics about cholesterol.

Cholesterol is a lipid — a soft, waxy, fat-like substance that’s found in your bloodstream and in your cells. There are two types: low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). LDL is also called “bad cholesterol” because it can build up on the walls of your blood vessels, increasing your risk of a heart attack or stroke. HDL is considered “good cholesterol” because it can help remove LDL cholesterol from your body. When we say high cholesterol, we are typically referring to a person’s levels of LDL cholesterol.

Triglycerides are another type of lipid that your doctor will monitor. Like LDL cholesterol, they can accumulate in your blood vessels and are associated with heart health issues. Total cholesterol is a measure of all three components: LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.

While the exact definition of “healthy” cholesterol may vary by individual, these are some general guidelines.

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.

It is possible to have high triglycerides without having high LDL cholesterol levels. There are medications that specifically target triglycerides while high-intensity statins can lower both LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. 

Lifestyle changes that support healthy cholesterol levels

The following lifestyle practices can help you manage your cholesterol and triglycerides and are important even for those who take cholesterol-lowering medication.

Regular exercise: Moderate physical activity can help lower LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol. The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, or about 30 minutes of moderate to intense exercise each day.

Diet: Certain types of food can increase your LDL cholesterol. Try to limit your consumption of saturated fats (common sources include red meat and full-fat dairy products) and avoid trans fats, also known as partially hydrogenated oils, as much as possible. On the other hand, unsaturated fats (olive oil, canola oil, and tree nuts); omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, mackerel, herring, and tuna); and soluble fiber (beans, peas, lentils, oats, and whole grains), can support healthy cholesterol levels.

Smoking cessation: If you have high cholesterol, quitting smoking can help lower both your cholesterol levels and your overall risk for heart disease. 

Healthy alcohol consumption: If you drink, limiting your alcohol intake can help you manage your cholesterol, as heavy drinking can increase your cholesterol levels. The CDC recommends two alcoholic drinks per day for men and one for women.

When does a doctor prescribe cholesterol-lowering medication?

High cholesterol is one of the most common risk factors for heart disease. Effective cholesterol treatment can lower your risk for cardiovascular health issues, including a heart attack or stroke.

While statins were once considered exclusively cholesterol-lowering medications, we have learned more about their overall heart health benefits in recent years, and they are increasingly prescribed as a heart disease risk-reducing medication. Your doctor may prescribe a medication from this class even if your overall cholesterol numbers are in a healthy range.

When developing recommendations for cholesterol treatment, your doctor will consider a variety of health factors to assess your overall heart health, including the following.

While the exact definition of “healthy” cholesterol levels may vary by individual, a healthy range for LDL cholesterol is typically considered to be less than 100 mg/dL. If your LDL cholesterol is over 190 mg/dL, your doctor may recommend medication. 

Treatment plans account for other heart disease risk factors in addition to high cholesterol. For example, if you have diabetes — which can double your risk for heart disease and stroke — or another key risk factor, you may need to supplement lifestyle changes with medication even if your cholesterol is below the 190 mg/dL threshold.

There are a variety of causes of high cholesterol, including lifestyle and health factors as well as genetics. People with a family history of high cholesterol often need medication, since lifestyle changes alone are less likely to lower cholesterol levels.

When making recommendations for treatment, your doctor may use a tool called a cardiac risk calculator, which assesses your chances of developing heart health issues based on your personal health history. Those with a higher score may be more likely to need cholesterol-lowering medication. 

Is medication always a first-line treatment?

In some cases, a doctor will recommend cholesterol-lowering medication after first exploring lifestyle changes. Other times, medication is the best option for first-line treatment based on an individual’s health history and risk for heart disease. If your provider decides to start treatment with medication first, it doesn’t mean that you have failed to take care of your health on your own. Rather, it gives you an opportunity to keep your heart as strong as possible. 

How will my doctor pick the right medication for me?

Treatment for high cholesterol and/or triglycerides varies by individual, and there is no one best medication. Your doctor will consider several factors when recommending a medication, including:

Your overall heart health and risk for cardiovascular issues

Other medications you take and potential interactions or side effects

The medication’s lowest effective dose — higher-intensity statins can reduce lipid levels at a lower dose than other medications

Whether you’re targeting LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, or both

There are a variety of medications for high LDL cholesterol and/or triglycerides, and it may take time for you and your doctor to determine the best treatment for your needs. Keep in mind that each person’s response to medication is unique. If you know someone who had side effects from one medication, it doesn’t mean that you will have the same experience.

What if my cholesterol medication causes side effects?

Like most medications, many commonly prescribed cholesterol-lowering medications have the potential for side effects. They are typically mild. Fortunately, there are a variety of medication options to consider. Remember, too, that in most cases, the benefits of a cholesterol medication far outweigh the potential risks.

Statins, the most common cholesterol medication, are often the starting point of cholesterol treatment with medication. Commonly prescribed statins include:

A small percentage of people who take statins experience muscle aches and elevated liver enzymes, two of the most common side effects. There are many alternatives for those who can’t take statins, including the following:

Ezetimibe (Zetia®), a cholesterol absorption inhibitor and the most commonly used non-statin cholesterol medication

PCSK9 inhibitors such as alirocumab (Praluent®) and evolocumab (Repatha®) - administered as injections every 2-4 weeks

Fibrates such as gemfibrozil (Lopid®) and fenofibrate (Antara®, Lofibra®, Tricor®, and Triglide®) specifically target high triglycerides and are often used to lower triglyceride levels.

Will I need to take medication for the rest of my life?

This also varies by individual. Some people with high cholesterol need to take medication for the rest of their life. Others transition off of their medication if they have achieved healthy cholesterol levels and their doctor recommends a new treatment plan. Never stop taking medication without consulting your provider.

At Alto, we make 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 expert pharmacists are always just a message away!

To learn more, reach out via in-app 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.

Nearly half of all US adults have high blood pressure, a key risk factor in the development of heart disease. While high blood pressure, or hypertension, is manageable, only 24% of those with the condition have it under control, and many people who could benefit from medication aren’t receiving the treatment they need.

When is Medication Necessary to Manage Blood Pressure?

If your doctor has recommended blood pressure medication, you may have concerns about beginning this treatment approach rather than focusing on lifestyle changes alone. Keep in mind that, unlike age or genetics, high blood pressure is a heart disease risk factor you have some control over. It’s important to take whatever steps you can to strengthen your heart health and prevent heart attacks and stroke. Depending on your blood pressure readings and overall health history, this may include taking hypertension medication.

Below, we explain more about treatment options for high blood pressure and when it may be necessary to take medication.

Blood pressure is the force your heart uses to pump oxygen-rich blood and deliver it to organs and tissues throughout your body. Healthy blood pressure is critical to many areas of your health. It keeps the heart from working too hard and supports healthy kidney function, allowing your kidneys to remove excess fluid and toxins from your body.

A blood pressure reading has two components: systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Systolic blood pressure is the force of blood flowing out of your heart and into your arteries.

Diastolic blood pressure is the force created when your heart fills with blood while resting between beats.

Blood pressure readings present your systolic blood pressure over your diastolic blood pressure. High blood pressure is defined as a blood pressure reading that is consistently higher than 130 over 80 mm Hg. More severe high blood pressure, also referred to as stage 2 hypertension, is defined as a reading of 140+ over 90+ mm Hg.

High blood pressure affects your body in many ways. It causes the heart to work harder, stretching or harming blood vessels and accelerating the accumulation of plaque in your arteries. Over time, this may lead to heart disease, heart attack, or stroke.

It can also damage other important organs:

Narrowed or blocked arteries can block blood flow to the brain.

Narrowed or blocked blood vessels prevent the kidneys from performing key functions such as filtering blood or regulating blood pressure.

Damaged blood vessels in the retina can lead to eye disease or loss of vision.

Lifestyle changes that may lower blood pressure

Treatment for high blood pressure includes both lifestyle changes and medications. The following habits and practices are an important component of managing high blood pressure even if you take blood pressure medication.

Diet: The American Heart Association recommends limiting your daily sodium intake to 1,500 mg, as high sodium consumption can increase blood pressure. Processed or prepackaged foods are common sources of sodium, in addition to salt. On the other hand, be sure to incorporate fruits, vegetables, fish, and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids into your meal planning.

Regular exercise: Moderate physical activity can also support healthy blood pressure. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, or about 30 minutes each day.

Stress management: Though research on the long-term relationship between stress and hypertension isn’t definitive, we know that adrenaline and cortisol — the hormones released when the body experiences stress — can increase your heartbeat and narrow your blood vessels. Focus on positive ways to prevent or reduce stress, including exercise and mindfulness practices.

Smoking cessation: Quitting smoking can help lower your blood pressure and your overall risk for heart disease. 

Moderate alcohol consumption: Heavy drinking is associated with high blood pressure. The CDC recommends limiting alcohol intake to two alcoholic drinks per day for men and one for women.

When does a doctor prescribe blood pressure medication?

When developing hypertension treatment recommendations, your doctor will look at the whole picture of your health — specifically your risk for heart disease — not just your blood pressure. The higher your overall risk for heart health issues, the more likely you are to benefit from blood pressure medication.

These are some of the health factors your doctor will consider:

Other health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol

In some cases, your doctor may prescribe hypertension medication after first exploring lifestyle changes. However, if you have very high blood pressure, medication may be necessary as a first-line treatment.

What are the most common blood pressure medications?

There are a variety of physiological approaches to lowering blood pressure, and different blood pressure medications function differently. They may:

Block nerve activity to prevent blood vessels from constricting

These are some commonly prescribed classes of blood pressure medications.

Diuretics help the body get rid of excess sodium and water, reducing the volume of fluid in blood vessels. Commonly prescribed diuretics include:

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

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

ACE inhibitors block production of a hormone called angiotensin II, which causes blood vessels to narrow. These medications expand constricted blood vessels so that more blood can flow through. Commonly prescribed ACE inhibitors include:

Like ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) target the hormone angiotensin II to prevent blood vessels from narrowing. Commonly prescribed ARBs include:

Calcium channel blockers prevent calcium from entering the smooth muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels, helping the heart beat with less force. Commonly prescribed calcium channel blockers include:

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

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

Beta blockers cause the heart to beat less forcefully while opening up the veins and arteries. Commonly prescribed beta blockers include:

When the above medications aren’t effective at lowering high blood pressure, a doctor may prescribe other types of medications, including alpha blockers, alpha-beta blockers, and vasodilators.

How will my doctor pick the right blood pressure medication for me?

Blood pressure management varies by individual, and there is no one best medication. Your doctor will consider several factors when recommending a medication, including:

Other medications you take and potential interactions

High blood pressure frequently intersects with other health conditions, including kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes, and heart failure, so your doctor may recommend a treatment approach that targets several conditions at once. This may mean taking more than one blood pressure medication.

There are a variety of blood pressure medications, and it may take time for you and your doctor to determine the best treatment for your needs.

What if my medication causes side effects?

Like most medications, many common blood pressure medications have the potential for side effects. For example, diuretics have been associated with thirst, dehydration, and decreased potassium levels.

The good news is that with the variety of medications to consider, you have other options if you have a negative response to any single medication. Remember, too, that in many cases, the benefits of a blood pressure medication outweigh the potential risks or possibility of side effects.

At Alto, we make it as simple as possible to stay on top of your blood pressure-lowering medications. We offer same-day delivery and medication management tools like reminders and auto refills in our app. And our expert pharmacists are always just a message away!

Unlike ordinary sadness, depression is a serious and often debilitating mental health disorder. While prevalent before the pandemic, the condition has become even more widespread in recent years, affecting as many as 1 in 3 U.S. adults according to some research studies.

If undiagnosed and untreated, depression can greatly interfere with daily life. Fortunately, medication and therapy can help manage symptoms. Here’s more on commonly prescribed antidepressants and what to consider when exploring your options.

A Guide to Commonly Prescribed Antidepressants

Unlike ordinary sadness, depression is a serious and often debilitating mental health disorder. While prevalent before the pandemic, the condition has become even more widespread in recent years, affecting as many as 1 in 3 U.S. adults according to some research studies.

If undiagnosed and untreated, depression can greatly interfere with daily life. Fortunately, medication and therapy can help manage symptoms. Here’s more on commonly prescribed antidepressants and what to consider when exploring your options.

There isn’t one single cause of depression. Several factors can trigger the condition, including the following.

Experiences of trauma early in life can affect how your brain reacts to fear and stress, in some cases resulting in depression.

External circumstances including relationship changes, financial stress, or an unstable living situation can also factor into depression.

Like many mental health disorders, depression often runs in families.

Depression has been linked to other conditions, including sleep disorders, chronic pain, anxiety, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Having a heart attack or stroke can also increase your risk of depression.

For women, changes in estrogen and progesterone levels throughout a menstrual cycle or during postpartum or menopause may contribute to the condition.

A history of substance misuse is considered a risk factor for depression, and alcohol use in particular can worsen symptoms of depression. Treatment for a substance use disorder may be part of a treatment plan for some individuals with depression.

A depressive disorder is diagnosed when a person experiences symptoms of a depressive episode for longer than two weeks. These are some of the most common symptoms:

Loss of interest or pleasure in activities

Feelings of low self-worth, guilt, or hopelessness

Commonly prescribed antidepressant medications

Symptoms of depression can be managed with treatment, which may include medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments like prioritizing physical activity. 

There are many options for medication to treat depression. Your provider will make recommendations based on your specific symptoms. Below are some of the most commonly prescribed medication classes.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed antidepressant. These medications increase a person’s levels of serotonin — a chemical in the brain that affects mood — to alleviate symptoms of depression.

It typically takes several weeks to a month to experience an SSRI’s benefits. Even if you don't feel like the medication is working, continue to take it as prescribed so that you can achieve a therapeutic level. If you still have concerns several weeks into treatment, speak with your doctor.

Always consult your doctor before stopping an SSRI. In most cases, you will gradually taper to lower doses of the medication before you stop taking it completely. This helps to prevent withdrawal symptoms.

SSRIs have been linked to the following side effects, though they are mild in the majority of cases. Speak with your doctor about any concerns.

Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) increase levels of serotonin — like SSRIs — but they also increase norepinephrine, another brain chemical that affects mood.

These medications also have the potential for mild side effects, including the following. Speak with your doctor about any concerns.

Tricyclic antidepressants also increase the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain. An older medication class, they are less prescribed than newer medications as they have a greater potential for side effects.

Another older and less frequently prescribed class of antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) increase the amount of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin in your brain. They have a greater potential for medication interactions than other antidepressants.

Potential side effects of these medications include:

Some commonly prescribed antidepressants, like the following, don’t fit into the above categories.

Bupropion (Wellbutrin®) belongs to a class of medications called norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs). It increases your levels of norepinephrine and dopamine to reduce symptoms of depression.

Nefazodone (Serzone®) and trazodone (Desyrel®, Oleptro®) are 5-HT2 receptor antagonists, which use a different mechanism than SSRIs to increase serotonin levels.

Mirtazapine (Remeron®) is a noradrenergic antagonist. It increases norepinephrine levels.

What to consider when taking an antidepressant

Finding the right antidepressant for your symptoms of depression may take time and trial and error. There are some steps you can take to improve your chances of success with the medication your doctor prescribes.

If you’ve ever been told not to eat a specific food while taking a medication, it was likely due to the possibility of a medication interaction.

Some medications work less effectively or cause unpleasant side effects when mixed with certain foods, beverages, vitamins, or supplements. (As you’ll learn below, sometimes taking a medication as prescribed means avoiding grapefruits.)

Medication Interactions, Explained

If you’ve ever been told not to eat a specific food while taking a medication, it was likely due to the possibility of a medication interaction.

Some medications work less effectively or cause unpleasant side effects when mixed with certain foods, beverages, vitamins, or supplements. (As you’ll learn below, sometimes taking a medication as prescribed means avoiding grapefruits.)

Several factors affect how a medication works, and interactions can happen between:

Most potential medication interactions are known. So as long as your provider is aware of your health history and all the medications you’re currently taking — including over-the-counter ones — you should be able to experience the benefits of your medications and avoid unnecessary side effects.

It’s also helpful to understand why these interactions occur. Below, you’ll find an overview of medication interaction basics. In addition, always ask your doctor or pharmacist as many questions as you need to in order to feel confident taking your medications.

Proteins in your liver called enzymes are responsible for helping your body absorb and process a medication. Sometimes a medication, vitamin, or supplement changes how these enzymes work.

If one medication causes enzymes to break down another medication more slowly, you may experience an interaction between the two medications. This can cause a medication to stay in your body for too long, or increase its quantity in your body. Both scenarios can lead to unwanted side effects or worsen side effects that you typically experience.

On the flip side, a medication interaction might cause enzymes to work faster, making medication pass through your body too quickly. In these types of medication interactions, you won’t experience a medication’s normal benefits, which can worsen symptoms of a health condition.

Other times, a food or supplement binds to an oral medication, preventing that medication from entering your bloodstream or lowering your blood levels of it.

Keep in mind that each person’s body and genetic makeup is unique. Your specific genes can profoundly impact how medications are metabolized and any resulting medication interactions.

A medication-medication interaction occurs when the combination of two or more medications produces an unwanted side effect. As an example, when the heart medication digoxin (Lanoxin®) is combined with another heart medication called amiodarone (Pacerone®), blood levels of digoxin may increase, resulting in side effects.

Other examples of medication-medication interactions include:

Anticoagulants and antibiotics/OTC pain relief: Antibiotics and many common pain relief medications including ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) and naproxen (Aleve®) aren’t safe to combine with blood-thinning medications like warfarin (Coumadin®, Jantoven®), as they can increase the risk of bleeding.

Levothyroxine and omeprazole: The thyroid medication levothyroxine (Synthroid®) requires extremely precise dosing and other medications can easily alter blood levels of it. In particular, the heartburn medication omeprazole (Prilosec®) can decrease the body’s absorption of levothyroxine.

Diuretics and certain antidepressants: Diuretics, a class of blood pressure-lowering medications that includes chlorthalidone (Thalitone®, Tenoretic®, and Clorpres®) and hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril®, Microzide®, and Esidrix®), can lower sodium levels. Combining these medications with certain antidepressants including fluoxetine (Prozac®) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR®) can increase the risk of severely low sodium levels.

Even some of the most nutritious foods can pose health risks when combined with certain medications. For example, grapefruits and grapefruit juice can block the enzymes your body needs to break down cholesterol-lowering statins, leading to higher blood levels of the medication and a greater risk of side effects.

Some statins interact more strongly with grapefruits and grapefruit juice — like atorvastatin (Lipitor®), lovastatin (Mevacor®, and simvastatin (Zocor®) — while others, including fluvastatin (Lescol®) and pravastatin (Pravachol®), are less affected. If you have concerns about this potential medication interaction, speak with your doctor about your options.

Other common food-medication interactions include:

Warfarin and vitamin K-rich vegetables: The anticoagulant warfarin blocks the effects of vitamin K, which helps your blood clot. High intake of vitamin K-rich veggies like broccoli and spinach can make the medication less effective. Consult with your doctor about nutrition considerations when taking warfarin, and maintain a consistent diet.

Metformin and alcohol: Drinking heavily while taking the oral diabetes medication metformin can increase your risk of extremely low blood sugar. In rare cases, it can also cause a condition called lactic acidosis, in which too much acid accumulates in the bloodstream. Many people are able to safely drink in moderation while on metformin. The specific interaction of alcohol and metformin varies by individual. Consult with your doctor to determine what precautions you should take.

Dairy products and antibiotics: Milk, yogurt, cheese, and other dairy products can reduce the body’s absorption of certain antibiotics, including tetracycline, doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, and minocycline.

Dairy products and bisphosphonates: Dairy products can also reduce absorption of some oral bisphosphonates used to treat osteoporosis.

As a precaution against food-medication interactions, ask your doctor or pharmacist about the best ways to take your medication. The potential for these interactions doesn’t necessarily mean avoiding certain food or drinks altogether, but rather making small modifications or being mindful of when you eat or drink them. For example, it is typically recommended to consume dairy products at least three hours after taking an antibiotic.

Interactions between medication and a health condition

Doctors need to know your health history in order to safely prescribe a medication. Certain health conditions may increase a medication’s side effects, and some medications can worsen symptoms of a health condition.

Examples of interactions between a medication and health condition include the following. If you are concerned about the possibility of a medication-condition interaction, speak with your doctor about appropriate alternative medications.

Decongestants and hypertension: Some decongestants used to relieve colds, including pseudoephedrine (Sudafed®), can tighten blood vessels throughout your body, increasing blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, look for decongestant-free cold medicines like Coricidin®.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and hypertension: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including ibuprofen and naproxen can also increase blood pressure. Aspirin or acetaminophen (Tylenol®) is typically a better option for pain or fever relief for individuals with hypertension.

Beta blockers and asthma: Beta blockers, a medication class commonly used to lower blood pressure, can tighten airway muscles, potentially causing an asthma attack.

Acetaminophen and liver function issues: Your liver is critical in your body’s absorption of acetaminophen. If your liver function is impaired, the medication can accumulate in your bloodstream and further damage your liver. If you have any known issues with liver function, ask your doctor if acetaminophen is safe to take. They may recommend a lower dosage or suggest taking an alternative medication.

The best way to prevent any negative medication interaction is to make sure that anyone prescribing a medication for you is informed of your entire health history. This is especially important if you see multiple doctors, take multiple medications, or live with a chronic health condition.

When you are prescribed a medication, speak with your doctor or pharmacist about all the medications you take — both OTC and prescription — as well as supplements, vitamins, and herbs. They should also have a sense of your diet.

Consolidating your prescriptions at one pharmacy can also prevent interactions between multiple medications. At Alto, we check for potential interactions when we receive a new prescription by reviewing every prescription on file.

You should always know the answers to the following questions when taking a medication. Never hesitate to ask your doctor or pharmacist for additional clarification.

Can I take this medication with other medications?

Should I avoid certain foods or drinks when taking this medication?

Are there known potential medication interactions? If so, what signs should I watch for?

Our expert pharmacists can answer any questions you have about medication interactions, side effects, or release right in the Alto app. We also offer free same-day delivery and medication management tools like reminders and auto refills to make it as simple as possible to stay on track with your treatment.

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

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

Blog

When Is Medication Necessary to Manage Cholesterol?

When is Medication Necessary to Manage Blood Pressure?

A Guide to Commonly Prescribed Antidepressants

Medication Interactions, Explained

Medications Used After a Heart Attack

Hyperlipidemia, Explained

Medications Used After a Stroke

How to Treat and Prevent Migraines

Understanding the Stress-Heart Health Connection

What to Know About Arthritis in Children

Atrial Fibrillation, Explained

5 Misconceptions About COPD

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