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When used in tandem with healthy lifestyle habits and additional preventive measures to avoid triggers, asthma medications can help you control symptoms and prevent asthma attacks. Read on to learn more.

A Guide to Common Asthma Medications | Alto Pharmacy

If you’ve ever had an asthma attack or watched a friend or family member experience one, you know how uncomfortable it is when you are struggling to breathe. But while asthma, a chronic disease that affects more than 25 million Americans, may not be curable, it is certainly manageable. Whether your symptoms are mild, moderate, or severe, you can live an active life by working with your doctor to establish a treatment plan.

When used in tandem with healthy lifestyle habits and additional preventive measures to avoid triggers, asthma medications can help you control symptoms and prevent asthma attacks.  However, because there is lots of variation in how different people experience asthma, there isn’t a standardized, one-size-fits-all approach to asthma medications. For some people with mild cases of asthma, rescue medications that offer quick relief from acute asthma symptoms are enough, while moderate to severe cases often involve long-term maintenance medication.

Read on to learn more about the main types of asthma medications that your doctor may prescribe.

First, let’s discuss how to tell if you have asthma. The condition doesn’t look the same in each person, and an individual’s asthma symptoms may change over time, but common signs include:

Trouble sleeping because of coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath

Coughing or wheezing intensified by the cold or flu

If you experience persistent coughing or wheezing for more than a few days or any of the symptoms above, consult with your doctor. An asthma diagnosis is based on your medical history, an evaluation of your symptoms, a physical exam, and lung tests.

You may find that your symptoms flare up in certain situations, like during exercise, or that they are intensified by environmental triggers like allergies. In these cases, you may have to take extra precautions when engaging in specific activities or supplement your asthma medication with allergy treatment. Your doctor can help you determine your specific treatment needs.

Learn how to prevent seasonal allergies and reduce symptoms of allergy-triggered asthma.

Quick-relief asthma medications for acute symptoms

People with asthma often need immediate relief when symptoms flare up. Quick-relief or “rescue” asthma medications help in these situations. Used on an as-needed basis, these medications relax airway muscles to open the lungs and relieve shortness of breath and wheezing within minutes. They can stop an asthma attack in progress or help prevent exercise-induced asthma.

Common quick-relief asthma medications include:

Albuterol (branded options include ProAir® HFA, Proventil® HFA, Ventolin® HFA)

Inhalers are the most common form of quick-relief asthma medications. Albuterol and Levalbuterol are also available as a liquid solution for nebulizer use.  Common side effects of this medication class include nervousness or shakiness, headache, throat or nasal irritation, and muscle aches. There are also some known severe side effects, including allergic reactions like hives, a rapid heart rate, or heart palpitations. If you have any concerns, contact your doctor to discuss treatment options.

You may be able to manage mild or exercise-induced asthma symptoms with quick-relief medications alone. However, treatment for more persistent asthma symptoms often involves long-term control medication.

While rescue medications can help treat acute asthma symptoms during an asthma attack, long-term control medications are taken regularly to prevent symptoms from escalating in the first place. They are a very important component of asthma treatment for those with more serious symptoms.

There are two main types of long-term control medications for asthma: inhaled corticosteroids and combination inhalers that contain both corticosteroids and long-acting beta agonists (LABAs).

Inhaled corticosteroids like Flovent® HFA and Qvar Redihaler® reduce inflammation and swelling in the airways, making them less likely to react to asthma triggers. They are primarily taken via inhaler. Their effectiveness depends on daily use, and they are not effective at treating acute asthma attacks. It may take several months to see improvement in asthma symptoms from using inhaled corticosteroids.

Inhaled corticosteroids typically do not cause serious long-term side effects, but long-term use in children has been linked to slight delays in growth. However, the benefits generally outweigh the risks. If you have any concerns, your doctor can help you make the best choice for your child’s asthma treatment.

Read our previous blog for more information on managing your child’s asthma.

Mouth and throat irritation and oral yeast infections have also been known to occur as a result of using inhaled corticosteroids. As a precaution, rinse your mouth with water after each dose to prevent infections.

Long-acting beta agonists (LABAs), a type of bronchodilator medication that opens airways and reduces swelling, can be used on an ongoing basis to control moderate to severe asthma. However, some research has linked this medication class to serious asthma attacks. The risk is strongest when a LABA is used on its own. For that reason, they are typically taken in combination with an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS).

Common ICS/LABA combination inhalers include:

Fluticasone and salmeterol (Advair Diskus®)

Fluticasone and vilanterol (Breo Ellipta®)

Combination inhaler side effects are similar to those of inhaled corticosteroids used alone.

In some cases, if severe symptoms persist even after using inhaled corticosteroids and combined ICS/LABA inhalers, oral corticosteroids like Prednisone and Methylprednisolone, may be used to treat severe asthma attacks. Your doctor can explain more about the potential risks and side effects of these medications if relevant to your treatment plan.

If your asthma is triggered by allergies, allergy medications may be a part of your asthma treatment plan. There are a variety of over-the-counter and prescription allergy medications, including oral antihistamines like Claritin®, Allegra®, and Zyrtec®, decongestants like Afrin® and Sudafed®, and corticosteroid and cromolyn nasal sprays. Your doctor can work with you to find the best treatment option for your allergy symptoms, so that you can avoid allergy-induced asthma attacks. However, allergy medication isn’t a substitute for asthma medication.

Remember to be patient with yourself as it may take some time to find the best asthma medications for your symptoms. Discuss the potential for side effects with your doctor and reach out to our team if you have any questions during the course of your treatment. 

Alto is here every step of the way to make it easy to manage your asthma symptoms. Our team of pharmacists is available to answer questions about your asthma medications, and we offer free, same-day delivery and medication management tools like reminders and auto refills in our app.

Reach out via phone at 1-800-874-5881 or in-app messaging to learn how Alto can support your asthma treatment plan.

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.

June marks Men’s Health Awareness Month, an important reminder to take charge of your health and wellness. Here’s more information on three of the top men’s health issues to help you get started.

Preventative Steps to Take for Men's Health Month

June marks Men’s Health Awareness Month, an important reminder to take charge of your health and wellness. Men are less likely to go to the doctor than women, missing or delaying critical screenings and tests, and they also have a lower life expectancy. In honor of Men’s Health Month, commit to taking a proactive and preventive approach to your well-being. Here’s more information on three of the top men’s health issues to help you get started.

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer for men in the U.S., affecting about 1 in 8 men, and the second most fatal. It occurs when cancerous cells in the prostate gland, a male organ that helps produce semen, grow uncontrollably. Early-stage prostate cancer often doesn’t cause visible signs, but common symptoms of more advanced cases include trouble urinating, blood in your urine and/or semen, bone pain, weight loss, and erectile dysfunction.

Despite the seriousness and the prevalence of this disease, it has a high survival rate when detected at an early stage. More than 3.1 million men in the U.S. who have had prostate cancer are alive today. As with any health issue, the best way to prevent prostate cancer is to know your risk and be vigilant about screening.

Researchers have identified several key risk factors for prostate cancer:

Age: Your chances for getting prostate cancer increase significantly as you age, with roughly 6 in 10 instances of this cancer occurring in men over 65.

Race/ethnicity: For reasons not yet clear, Black men are about 1.6 times more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer than men from other racial and ethnic backgrounds. When diagnosed, they are also more likely to face more aggressive forms.

Family history: While most instances of prostate cancer occur in men without a family history of the disease, having an immediate relative who has had prostate cancer more than doubles your risk of developing it. The risk is higher if your relatives had it at a younger age.

The American Urological Association recommends prostate cancer screening every two years for men ages 55 to 69. However, if you are at higher risk, your doctor may recommend earlier or more frequent screenings. Consult with your doctor about your screening needs.

Heart disease, the leading cause of adult death in the United States, is a top health issue for men: 25% of all adult male fatalities are from heart disease. In general, men face a greater risk for heart disease than women, in part explained by protective effects of sex hormones, and they are also twice as likely to have a heart attack.

The sooner you detect heart disease, the easier it is to treat. Here are some common symptoms to recognize:

If you experience any of these symptoms, consult with your doctor right away to determine the best treatment plan. 

Learn more about heart health warning signs.

And since men are more likely to skip out on annual physicals than women, they are also less likely to have regular heart health-related screenings. If it’s been a while since your last physical exam, try to schedule one soon — regular doctor’s visits are essential to prioritizing heart health.

Here are some guidelines for staying on top of heart health screenings:

If your blood pressure is normal, below 120/80 mm Hg, get screened at least once per year. If you have high blood pressure, a reading consistently above 130/80 mm Hg, consult with your doctor about recommended screening frequency.

Check your cholesterol every 4-6 years if your risk is normal (under 200 mg/dL). Ask your doctor about recommended screening frequency if you have a higher risk for heart disease and stroke.

Get a blood glucose test for diabetes at least every three years, with more frequent screening if you have prediabetes.

Discuss healthy lifestyle habits including smoking, exercise, and diet at each regular visit.

Mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, and PTSD affect all people, but men are less likely to seek support and treatment than women, in part because of the misconception that asking for help is a sign of weakness. Left unaddressed, a mental health disorder can greatly impact a person’s physical health. 

Here are some common warning signs of the three most prevalent mental health issues:

Change in mood, weight, or work performance

Withdrawing from activities you once enjoyed

Physical symptoms, including headaches or stomach issues

Nervousness, restlessness, or feeling tense

Intrusive memories about the traumatic event

Avoiding people, places, or activities that remind you of the traumatic event

If you have experienced any of the symptoms above or are concerned about your mental health, talk to your doctor and ask for support. Your emotional well-being matters, and mental health disorders are treatable.

Read ‘How Mental Health Affects Heart Health’ to learn more about the heart-head connection.

To live your healthiest life, take an active role in your well-being year round, not just during Men’s Health Month. That means learning more about your risk for men’s top health issues, staying up to date with recommended screenings, and prioritizing healthy lifestyle choices. Most men’s health issues are preventable or treatable, but staying proactive is key.

At Alto, a pharmacist is your partner in health. Our team of patient care pharmacists is available to chat whenever questions come up - reach out via phone at 1-800-874-5881 or in our app.

If you want a glimpse into how your heart is functioning, all you need is two fingers and fifteen seconds. Read on to learn more about what your resting heart rate can tell you about your health.

What Your Heart Rate Can Tell You About Your Health

If you want a glimpse into how your heart is functioning, all you need is two fingers and fifteen seconds. You can find your resting heart rate — the number of times your heart beats per minute when you’re at rest — by simply taking your pulse. While it’s only a small part of your overall cardiovascular health, paying regular attention to this number can help you identify any changes in heart function and potentially detect early signs of heart disease. Read on to learn more about what your resting heart rate can tell you about your health.

Our heart rate changes throughout the day as we engage in activities that require various levels of oxygen. Your resting heart rate is your baseline before you tackle your daily workout or head into a stressful work meeting. Caffeine can also make the heart beat faster, so for the most accurate read of your resting heart rate, take your pulse right when you wake up, before your morning cup of coffee.

You can measure your resting heart rate by taking your pulse either on your neck or at your wrist. If checking on your neck, place your index and third fingers on your neck to the side of your windpipe. And if you’re checking at your wrist, place those same fingers over your radial artery, located between the bone and tendon on the thumb side of your wrist. Apply enough pressure to feel every beat, but don’t push too hard since too much force can interfere with blood flow.

Once you feel your pulse, count the number of beats in fifteen seconds, and multiply it by four to calculate the number of beats per minute.

Resting heart rate will vary from one person to another, but the healthy range for an adult typically falls between 60 to 100 beats per minute. In general, the lower your heart rate, the easier it is for your heart to pump blood. On the other hand, a higher heart rate means your heart is working harder, and may signal a greater risk for heart attack.

Pay attention to the rhythm of your heart in addition to the number of beats. An irregular pattern may be symptomatic of heart conditions that can cause heart attacks and strokes. An uneven heartbeat, also called an arrhythmia, can be treated, but too often people only discover it after a medical emergency. Regularly monitoring your heart rate and rhythm is one way to stay on top of any potential issues and be proactive about your health.

If you have any concerns about your resting heart rate, talk to your doctor, who can evaluate you for any heart-related health issues and determine what your normal resting heart rate should be. The most important thing is to understand your baseline and monitor for any unusual changes.

Factors That Influence Resting Heart Rate

Resting heart rate doesn’t just vary from one person to another, it can change for each of us from one day to the next. The following factors play a role in overall heart health and can influence your resting heart rate.

Having cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, or diabetes

Body position (standing up or lying down, for example)

If you have a diagnosed heart condition, your medications and the nature of your diagnosis can potentially impact your resting heart rate, too. This is why it’s important to speak with a doctor about what your target heart rate should be.

There are two other important numbers related to your heart health: maximum heart rate and target heart rate.

Your maximum heart rate is generally the highest pulse you can get. It’s the rate your heart beats at when it’s working hardest to meet your oxygen needs. It plays a big role in determining your aerobic capacity, which is how much oxygen your body can consume.

For a rough sense of what a healthy maximum heart rate is for you, subtract your age from 220. For example, a 40-year-old has a maximum heart rate of 180 and a 50-year-old has a maximum heart rate of 170, as shown in the chart below. However, it’s important to remember that this is just a guide. Your individual maximum heart rate may be higher or lower. Your doctor can help you determine what your specific range should be.

It’s not possible to push your heart to its full aerobic capacity for an entire workout session — maximum heart rate can only be sustained for a short period of time. This is where target heart rate enters the picture. It’s the number to aim for while exercising, which varies depending on the intensity of your physical activity. For moderately intense physical activities, target heart rate is typically 50-75% of your maximum heart rate. During more vigorous exercise, it’s about 70-85% of the maximum. The chart below shows average target heart rate zones by age.

These numbers offer general guidelines, but each person’s situation is different. If you have a heart condition or take medication, talk to your doctor about recommended types of exercise and what your target heart rate should be. Keep in mind that many people begin with a lower target heart rate and gradually work their way up.

An active lifestyle is key to both lowering your resting heart rate and increasing your target heart rate zones. So if you’re concerned about your heart rate, the best thing you can do is exercise more frequently. Aim for about 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week, which can involve:

The following lifestyle changes can also help you lower your resting heart rate and increase your target heart rate zones:

Bring more mindfulness into your day with meditation and breathing exercises, as anxiety and stress can elevate heart rate. 

Avoid stimulants like caffeine and nicotine.

Drink plenty of water since dehydration can cause blood to thicken, which makes your heart work harder.

It may take several months before these lifestyle changes affect your heart rate, so be patient and remember that each small step will add up to better long-term heart health.

While resting heart rate can alert you to any changes in your heart’s functioning, there are various factors involved in your risk for heart disease, including your family history as well as these lesser-known risks. With heart health, it’s important to talk with your doctor about the bigger picture more so than focusing on any single number, or getting caught up on what “normal” means for other people.

The Link Between Blood Pressure and Heart Disease

Paying attention to your blood pressure is another important aspect of prioritizing heart health. Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against your blood vessels. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can damage many important organs including the heart. In making the arteries less elastic and decreasing the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart, it can lead to cardiovascular disease and a greater risk for heart attack and stroke.

A blood pressure reading measures two forces: systolic pressure and diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure is the force that occurs as blood flows out of the heart and into the arteries. Diastolic pressure is the force created when the heart fills with blood as it rests between beats. A healthy blood pressure for most adults is typically 120 mm Hg systolic and 80 mm Hg diastolic, read aloud as “120 over 80.” Both readings are important, but high blood pressure typically refers to systolic pressure.

High blood pressure is treatable, but early detection is critical. There are not usually any warning signs or symptoms, so the only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to get your blood pressure tested.

Read our previous blog to learn more about managing blood pressure with healthy lifestyle habits.

Exceptional Pharmacy Care to Strengthen Your Heart

If you are prescribed medications for your heart, we’re here to make it as simple as possible to follow the treatment your doctor recommends. Our team of patient care pharmacists is available to walk you through dosage instructions and answer your questions. Feel free to reach out any time via phone at 1-800-874-5881 or in-app messaging.

The team at Alto Pharmacy answers some of the most common questions about prediabetes and explain what you can do to take preventative measures.

Common Prediabetes Questions Answered

Prediabetes, a serious but common health condition that often precedes a type 2 diabetes diagnosis, affects an estimated 88 million adults in the U.S., or 1 in 3 people. But the majority of the time, they have no idea: 84% of people with prediabetes are unaware of their condition, in large part because they aren’t experiencing any noticeable prediabetes symptoms.

Below, we answer some of the most common questions about the condition and explain what you can do to take preventative measures for prediabetes.

First, let’s start with a quick review of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Both involve complications with the body’s relationship to insulin, a hormone that transforms a simple sugar called glucose into energy. 

In contrast to type 1, which often begins during childhood or adolescence, type 2 develops gradually due to a mixture of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Over time, the body becomes unable to convert glucose into fuel, leading to the higher blood sugar levels found in type 2 diabetes. In the long term, high blood sugar can lead to serious health issues including heart disease, vision loss, and kidney disease.

Prediabetes is a health condition that can lead to a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Without noticeable symptoms, it is defined primarily by blood sugar levels that are higher than normal but still fall below the official range for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. If left untreated, prediabetes can lead to serious complications down the road. But it doesn’t have to — prediabetes treatment, including simple lifestyle changes, can keep you from developing type 2 diabetes. 

Since there aren’t any visible prediabetes symptoms, the only way to know if you have it is to get a prediabetes test. If you’re concerned you might have prediabetes, or if you’re at risk for type 2 diabetes, talk to your healthcare provider. They can suggest the best course of action, including ordering an A1C blood test.

In people with prediabetes and diabetes, glucose accumulates and binds to hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to all of your organs and is stored in red blood cells. Higher blood sugar levels correspond with more sugar-coated hemoglobin. The A1C — the main prediabetes test — determines blood sugar levels over a two to three-month period by measuring the percentage of hemoglobin proteins attached to sugar. 

In general, results fall into one of three main levels:

An A1C level below 5.7% is considered normal

An A1C level between 5.7% and 6.4% is considered prediabetes

An A1C level of 6.5% or higher on two separate tests indicates type 2 diabetes

The blood sugar ranges are the same for both children and adults.

If prediabetes progresses into type 2 diabetes, the A1C test may also be used to monitor how you’re managing your blood sugar levels. When you’re living with diabetes, higher A1C percentages correspond to a greater risk for long-term or life-threatening complications. Anyone with a higher A1C should eat healthy foods and exercise frequently. The American Diabetes Association’s recipe list is a great starting point as you plan a prediabetes diet.

If the A1C results are inconsistent, or if you are unable to take it, your doctor may use other tests to diagnose prediabetes:

The random blood sugar test, which consists of a blood sample taken at a random time

The fasting blood sugar test, which consists of a blood sample taken after an overnight fast

The oral glucose tolerance test, which is primarily used during pregnancy

The same risk factors for type 2 diabetes also apply to prediabetes. Because prediabetes often remains undetected, with no clear prediabetes symptoms, it’s important to be proactive and get a blood test if you are at risk. Talk to your doctor about a prediabetes test if you are:

Black, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Asian American, or Pacific Islander — for reasons not yet understood, researchers have found higher rates of type 2 diabetes in these racial and ethnic groups

High blood pressure or take medication for it

Low HDL cholesterol and/or high triglycerides

Been diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

As childhood obesity becomes more prevalent, we’re seeing higher rates of both prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in younger groups. Younger or middle-aged people with prediabetes face a greater risk for more serious diabetes-related complications like chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease. These groups should be extra vigilant in discussing prediabetes treatment and diet with their doctor given the heightened risk.

Your doctor may order a prediabetes test for children and adolescents if they:

Belong to a racial or ethnic group with higher rates of type 2 diabetes

Were born to a mother with gestational diabetes

On the other hand, some research suggests that higher blood sugar levels are a common part of aging, and prediabetes is less likely to turn into a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes for seniors..

If left untreated, prediabetes can lead to serious complications like heart disease and kidney damage. In fact, long-term damage to the heart, blood vessels, and kidneys may begin even before the progression to type 2 diabetes. Despite the severity of the risk, however, prediabetes can be successfully managed and reversed, and a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes is preventable.

The most important thing to do for prediabetes is to commit to a healthier lifestyle. Take up a nutritious prediabetes diet, aim for about 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week, and, if relevant, quit smoking and work with your doctor on controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels. With these simple changes, you’ll be well on your way toward lowering your risk.

We’re here to help you navigate life with diabetes.

It’s important to take whatever steps you can to prevent prediabetes from progressing into type 2 diabetes.  A full life is possible, however, when you are living with any type of diabetes. If insulin becomes part of your treatment plan, our pharmacists will walk you through your first injections and answer any questions you have about symptoms or side effects.

The last thing you need while settling into a new routine is the stress of managing prescriptions and dealing with insurance. We’re here to help, by consolidating medications into streamlined monthly deliveries, setting up automatic refills, and offering free same-day delivery.

Learn how we can support your diabetes treatment plan by contacting us via in-app messaging or phone at 1-800-874-5881. 

Here’s what you should know about the link between mental health and heart disease, including heart-healthy ways to navigate emotional lows and manage stress.

How Mental Health Affects Heart Health

Prioritizing mental health doesn’t only improve your moods and relationships, it can potentially lower your risk for heart attack or stroke, too. Heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States, is deeply intertwined with some of the most widespread mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. 

In fact, the connection goes both ways: mental health affects heart health, and cardiovascular disease can contribute to mental health disorders. Here’s what you should know about the link between mental health and heart disease, including heart-healthy ways to navigate emotional lows and manage stress.

Heart disease might seem like a purely physical issue, but mental health affects heart health. Up to 40% of people affected by heart disease also fulfill the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder, one of the most common mental health disorders and the most frequently diagnosed type of depression in the U.S. At the same time, people with depression face a higher risk for heart disease.

Statistics like these go to show that our mind and body will always influence each other. The connection is both behavioral and physiological: our thoughts and emotions shape our habits and routines — like how well we sleep, how often we exercise, and how we cope with stress — in addition to impacting heart rate, blood flow, and cortisol levels. And, in turn, our physical health has the power to impact our emotional and social well-being.

Mental Health Disorders and Risk Factors for Heart Disease

According to the CDC, more than half of all Americans will be diagnosed with some type of mental health disorder in their lifetime. And since mental health affects heart health, the prevalence of mental health disorders in the U.S. also means that millions of Americans are at higher risk for heart disease.

The primary drivers of heart disease include both uncontrollable factors like age and family history and ones that we can either modify or treat, including smoking, physical inactivity, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. The correlation between mental health and heart disease stems in part from the overlap between behaviors associated with mental health disorders and risk factors for heart disease. For example, anxiety and depression are both linked to smoking and less active lifestyles.

On top of these key physical risks, there are additional factors for heart disease that relate to your mental well-being, including sleeping habits, alcohol use, diet, and even how happy you feel at work. Given the link between mental health and heart disease, any efforts you make on the self-care front, like prioritizing rest or exploring where you find professional and personal fulfillment, can only help to boost heart health.

Beyond Behavior: Physiological Effects of Mental Health Disorders

The link between mental health and heart disease doesn’t only occur indirectly through behaviors that lead to higher risk. Research has found that mental health disorders cause changes in the body that overlap with risk factors for heart disease, including:

Gradually, these physiological effects can lead to calcium accumulation in the arteries and the development of heart disease. 

A variety of mental health disorders influence a person’s risk for heart disease, from anxiety to PTSD and chronic stress, but the heart-head connection is particularly strong with depression. Not only are people with depression more likely to develop heart disease, they also face a worse prognosis. Depression can intensify fatigue and contribute to isolation after serious cardiac events, complicating recovery from surgery, heart attacks, and strokes. In addition, heart disease patients with depression may face a higher risk for premature death as well as longer or more frequent hospitalizations. 

Research has also found that while having both heart disease and anxiety doubles a patient’s risk of fatality, the combination of depression and heart disease triples it. It’s important for people with heart disease to proactively address symptoms of depression if they appear, regardless of whether they’ve dealt with depression before.

Because of the heavy emotional toll of a heart attack, depression is even more common after this type of serious cardiac event than with heart disease overall. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that up to 65% of cardiovascular disease patients who’ve had a heart attack experience depression.

After a heart attack you may have new or deeper feelings of anxiety given the uncertainty of your future. Stepping back from regular roles and responsibilities at work or with family while you recover can bring up complicated feelings and impact your sense of identity. 

And if lifestyle habits contributed to your heart attack risk, you may feel a sense of guilt as well. These are all understandable, natural reactions. The important thing is to keep moving forward by taking ownership of your health, which may include seeking mental health treatment. Remember, there’s no shame in getting the support you need, and, in fact, doing so is vital to your physical recovery. 

What’s Good for the Heart is Good for the Mind

The good news is that taking care of your mental health often looks exactly the same as taking care of your heart. Lifestyle changes that help manage heart disease, like following a balanced diet, drinking less, and getting those steps in, can also alleviate symptoms of depression and other mental health disorders.

Plus, happy thoughts are literally good for the heart. Some research suggests that patients with positive outlooks are more likely to make vital lifestyle changes following a heart attack, while gratitude is linked to lower levels of inflammation and better overall heart health. Of course, it’s more difficult to practice gratitude when you’re experiencing the isolation of clinical depression, so if you’re dealing with symptoms, remember that seeking help is taking charge of your well-being — and your heart.

The next time you’re feeling stressed or anxious, center your mind and keep your heart beating strong with these proactive strategies:

Explore visualization strategies to mentally picture a positive outcome to a challenge you’re facing.

Consider taking something off your plate at work or at home.

Exceptional Pharmacy Care Every Step of the Way

Heart disease and mental health challenges can feel isolating, but Alto’s expert pharmacists are always on call to help you navigate your health journey. Whether you’re taking medication for heart disease, a mental health disorder, or both, we’re happy to answer any questions you have and deliver your medications right to your doorstep. Call 1-800-874-5881 or reach out via in-app messaging at any time.

With heart disease being the leading cause of death in the United States, knowing your family’s health history and the extent of your risk is key to managing your heart health.

How Your Family History Affects Your Heart Health

While you know that traits like the color of your eyes and hair, as well as maybe your love of coffee, have been passed down through your family, you might not realize the extent to which heredity can also influence aspects of your health. With heart disease being the leading cause of death in the United States, knowing your family’s health history and the extent of your risk is key to managing your heart health. Here’s how having heart disease in your family can affect your own heart’s health, what you can do, and everyday ways to keep your heart beating healthy. 

When people talk about heart disease, they’re usually referring to coronary heart disease (also referred to as coronary artery disease).This is the most common type of heart disease and leads to more than 370,000 deaths in the United States every year. 

Coronary heart disease results when plaque builds up on the walls of the arteries that lead to your heart. This buildup narrows the arteries, making it harder for blood to pass through, which can ultimately lead to a heart attack or stroke.

Common risk factors for heart disease include high LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol (the “good” kind), stress, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, physical inactivity, smoking, being post-menopausal for women and being older than 45 for men.

According to the American Heart Association, your risk of heart disease is strongly linked to your family history. That means that if someone in your family has diabetes or high LDL cholesterol, for example, then you may be more prone to these heart disease risk factors as well. Similarly, if someone in your family has had a stroke, that makes you more likely to have one. 

To understand your genetic risk of heart disease, you need to first take a look at your family’s health history. You may not know the health history of your entire extended family and that’s okay. A key first step is to start learning the health history of your first-degree relatives: first your parents, then your siblings. Did either of your parents or siblings have a heart attack or stroke, or die from one, at an early age? If they did prior to age 55 for males or age 65 for females, then you’re at an increased risk of heart disease.

Additionally, there are other genetic factors to be aware of that can increase your risk of heart disease. Statistics from the American Heart Association show that African Americans are at a greater risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke; and about one in three Hispanics will have high blood pressure.

Your family’s home lifestyle and environment can also play a role in your heart health. Living in a household of smokers, for example, can increase your risk of heart disease, while a regular diet of fast food can trigger inflammation in your body and lead to an increased risk of high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. 

Where you live can also be a factor. City and urban environments can expose you to more air pollution as well as poor water or food quality, which can all contribute to heart disease. 

What to do once you know your family’s health history

Once you have some idea of your immediate family’s health picture and any history of heart disease or risk factors, you’ll next want to assess your own risk. There are various heart attack risk calculators that can help you do this. These take into account your genetics as well as current diet and lifestyle habits to predict your chance of having a heart attack.

Sharing your personal heart disease risk and family history with your doctor is important because it can allow them to come up with a plan to help you lower your risk. Your doctor may also suggest certain medical tests to provide a more accurate diagnosis. A blood test, for example, can look for certain biomarkers in your bloodstream, like LDL cholesterol, that increase your heart disease risk. A heart scan, also known as a coronary calcium scan, can detect any calcium on the walls of your arteries.

You’ll also want to make sure you’re aware of any early heart attack warning signs to watch out for. If you experience symptoms such as chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath during daily activities, or pain or discomfort in your arms, back, neck, or jaw, you should call 911 to get proper care as soon as possible.

If you discover that you have an extensive family history of cardiovascular disease or you’ve calculated your risk to be higher than average, does that mean you will end up with cardiovascular disease yourself? Not necessarily. Here are some of the things you can do to help reduce your risk. 

Once you have the results of any blood tests, your doctor will factor these into your family history and lifestyle habits to come up with a strategy to help you manage any heart disease risk. They’ll also discuss with you any risks and benefits of taking certain cardiovascular medications, if necessary. 

Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle will also be a key part of any heart disease management plan. This includes avoiding foods that are high in saturated fat, salt, and sugar, as well as adding more healthy foods to your diet like nuts, fruits, vegetables, beans and fish. You’ll also want to make sure you’re getting enough sleep, managing stress, and staying active. For physical activity, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 30 minutes of heart-pumping exercise such as brisk walking or riding your bike at least five days a week.

If you have any other health conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes, control these by staying on top of your regimen prescribed by your doctor. You’ll also want to be aware of the other factors you might not realize can influence your risk of heart disease.

While it’s essential to be your own advocate when it comes to your health, we’re here to support you with exceptional pharmacy care every step of the way. If you are prescribed medications for your heart, our pharmacists would be happy to walk you through dosage instructions and answer your questions. We’ll look for any available savings to help you get the lowest price, and we’ll deliver your medications to your home for free. Simply tell your doctor to send your new prescription to Alto or contact our team - we’ll take care of the transfer for you.

Here’s why healthy habits are key to improving your health and six ideas to try when you need some “me time.”

6 Science-Backed Ideas for Healthy Living

We know that taking care of our well-being is important, but when work deadlines are calling or the family needs your attention, your own wellness can easily fall to the bottom of your priority list. Fortunately, many healthy lifestyle habits don’t require much time or money, and can even be an enjoyable break from your everyday to-dos. Here’s why healthy habits are key to improving your health and six ideas to try when you need some “me time.”

When we’re overworked, stressed-out, or exhausted, it can be difficult to take care of our own daily maintenance tasks, let alone do activities we enjoy or make time to help others. And when we neglect our own care, it can leave us feeling burnt out, anxious, or depressed—states that affect everything from our performance at work to our relationships at home. 

Studies suggest that carving out “me time” is a key part of a healthy lifestyle. Healthier habits and lifestyle adjustments have been linked to lower levels of stress and higher quality of life, as well as lower levels of morbidity and reduced healthcare costs. And it can start with just a few minutes a day and cost nothing. Here are five science-backed lifestyle practices that your current (and future) self may thank you for. 

1. Practice meditation and mindfulness. 
You don’t need to ascribe to a certain religion or spend a month on a far-flung retreat to meditate or reap its benefits. Numerous studies suggest that even a few minutes a day of meditation can have many health benefits—from helping reduce anxious and stressful thoughts to curbing insomnia. Apps like Headspace or Insight Timer offer meditation basics at low or no cost. You can also ask at your workplace to see if services like Modern Health are offered. 


2. Try breathing practices. 
We know breathing is essential to life, but since it happens automatically, many of us don’t pay much attention to it. But research suggests that certain breathing techniques can help improve everything from your focus to your sleep. Studies have also found that practices like nasal breathing and pursed-lip breathing, as well as the deeper diaphragmatic breathing involved in yoga practices can be helpful in managing symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as well as asthma. 


3. Cook a meal at home. 
From picking out a new recipe to gathering all the ingredients, cooking at home for yourself or for others can be a relaxing multi-sensory wellness practice. It’s also often a healthier option than grabbing take-out. For this reason, studies suggest it as a top self-care practice to help those with diabetes avoid hospital visits and other health implications.


4. Do something creative. 
When it comes to the arts, you don’t need to have mastered a craft to enjoy it. The act of expressing in an artistic way can be enjoyable regardless of the outcome. And studies show that doing something creative—strumming a guitar, singing to yourself in the shower, or writing creatively—can boost your mood and emotional health as well as contribute to reducing stress and feelings of depression.

5. Stay on top of your medications. 
While this may seem obvious, forgetting to take essential medications is more common than you might think. In fact, studies have shown that up to 20-30% of medications are never filled, and that nearly 50% of medications for chronic disease aren’t taken as prescribed.  Alto can help make sure your prescriptions are delivered on time, as well as connect you with a pharmacist to answer any questions about dosage or side effects.

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