Written and medically reviewed by Dorcas Morak, Pharm.D
Heart disease affects nearly half of all adults in the U.S. Too many of us know someone who has faced a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular complications. Heart disease claims the lives of nearly 700,000 Americans each year, making it the leading cause of death in our country. But here’s the good news: many of these tragedies can be prevented.
This February, American Heart Month offers us the chance to shine a light on heart health. It is not just about awareness—it is about action. Let’s explore how you can protect your heart and find support, including affordable ways to manage your medications with the Rxless Assurance Plan.
What is Heart Disease?
Heart disease is a broad term that covers many conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. It is often synonymous with coronary artery disease (CAD), the most common type, but also includes issues like arrhythmias, heart valve problems, and cardiomyopathy.
What Are the Risk Factors for Heart Disease?
While some risk factors like family history and genetics are beyond your control, many risk factors that are manageable through lifestyle changes and medication include:
- High blood pressure and high cholesterol
- Diabetes (including Type 1, Type 2, and prediabetes)
- Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
- Poor diet high in saturated fats, sugar, and salt
- Physical inactivity and obesity
- Stress and genetic predisposition
What Are the Symptoms of Heart Disease?
Symptoms vary depending on the type of heart disease, but common warning signs include:
- Chest pain or tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Swelling in the legs
- Heart palpitations
What Are the Ways to Prevent Heart Disease?
Preventing heart disease starts with a proactive approach. Here’s how you can reduce your risk:
1. Embrace a Healthy Lifestyle
- Eat Heart-Healthy Foods: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Reduce your intake of saturated fats, trans fats, and sodium.
- Exercise Regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic weekly exercise.
- Quit Smoking: This single step significantly reduces your heart disease risk.
- Moderate Alcohol Consumption: Keep alcohol intake within recommended limits.
- Manage Stress: Practice mindfulness, meditation, or other relaxation techniques.
2. Treat Underlying Conditions If you are managing conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes, staying on top of your treatment plan is crucial. Medications can be life-saving, but they are often expensive. Here are some common generic medications used to treat these conditions:
High blood pressure (Hypertension):
Lisinopril (ACE inhibitor)
Amlodipine (Calcium channel blocker)
Losartan (ARB - Angiotensin receptor blocker)
Hydrochlorothiazide (Diuretic)
Atorvastatin (Statin)
Simvastatin (Statin)
Rosuvastatin (Statin)
Ezetimibe (Cholesterol absorption inhibitor)
Diabetes (Type 2 and Prediabetes):
Metformin (First-line treatment for Type 2 diabetes)
Glimepiride (Sulfonylurea)
Pioglitazone (Thiazolidinedione)
Sitagliptin (DPP-4 inhibitor)
Other Related Conditions:
Aspirin (Low-dose, often recommended for cardiovascular prevention)
Clopidogrel (Blood thinner for patients with a history of heart attack or stroke)
Medications can help manage these conditions effectively, but costs can be a barrier for many. That’s where joining the Rxless Assurance Plan can help. By downloading the free app, you have access to the most accurate and lowest-cost prescription medications available, ensuring you never have to choose between your health and your budget.
3. Regular Checkups Many heart-related conditions are silent in their early stages. Regular screenings can catch issues like high blood pressure or cholesterol before they become severe.
How Can the Rxless Assurance Plan Help You Take Control?
Managing heart disease often requires long-term medication—and the costs can add up quickly. The RxLess™ Assurance Plan offers a simple solution. With free discount coupons, you can save up to 88% on prescription medications, including those for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
