Sacred Heart CPS is looking for more provider partners. If interested, please email.
Sacred Heart CPS is looking for more provider partners. If interested, please email.
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Click the link below to learn about the many benefits of statins.
1. Decrease risk of heart attacks, strokes, and death.
2. Reduce inflammation in arteries.
3. Make blood vessel walls stronger and less likely to be damaged.
4. Lower harmful cholesterol.
5.Stabilize plaque built up in arteries.
Click the link below to learn about the possible risks of statins.
1. Muscle aches, pains, weakness.
2. Extremely rare liver toxicity.
3. Short-term, reversible memory impairment (extremely rare)
4. Small increase in blood sugars in some patients.
Most people have a goal blood pressure of under 130/80, but some people may have a slightly higher goal depending on their health and other circumstances (I.e. side effects, cost, preference, advanced age, etc.). Your provider will help determine your goal.
High blood pressure is called the "silent killer" because people do not feel when their blood pressure is high. It is a slow increase over time and the body simply doesn't have many outward signs. If blood pressure is high over a period of time, it may lead to heart attacks and strokes! This is why it is important to lower blood pressure to goal levels.
Improving lifestyle efforts to help lower blood pressure is always the preferred option. This includes weight loss (if overweight or obese), exercise (recommended 30 minutes for 5 or more days per week), and a heart-healthy diet. Salt and caffeine from diet can increase blood pressure, so we recommend limiting your daily salt intake to under 2000mg/day. There is no set guideline for caffeine intake, but we generally aim for one or less caffeinated drinks/day (I.e. soda, tea, coffee, energy drinks).
If blood pressure cannot be managed with lifestyle efforts, medications may be necessary. In general, once someone starts a blood pressure medication, they will likely remain on some form of blood pressure medication for life (unless lifestyle or an extreme change in health occurs). If you are put on a blood pressure medication, do NOT stop the medication because you find your blood pressure is now controlled. The medication is the reason it is controlled and, if you stop the medication, your blood pressure will rise again.
If you feel your blood pressure medication regimen is too strong, burdensome, costly, or you have side effects, please let your provider know! You may tell Sacred Heart Clinical Pharmacy Specialties and we will work with your primary care physician to find better options!
Click the link below for access to the most recent blood pressure guidelines.
Low blood pressure is most common for people already taking blood pressure medications, though some people have naturally low blood pressure. It is generally not a problem unless you feel lightheaded, dizzy, or lose your balance.
When you are taking any blood pressure medication, it is recommended to change body positions (lying to sitting, sitting to standing) slowly to avoid unsafe drops in blood pressure. A drop in blood pressure is normal for a few seconds when changing body positions, but if this lasts more than 5-10 seconds or does not resolve after changing body positions slowly, a review of your blood pressure medications may be in order.
Blood pressure is generally considered "low" when it drops below 90/60. Again, symptoms are the key concern with low blood pressure. A positive change in diet, weight, or exercise may have improved your blood pressure and made your current blood pressure medication regimen too strong. It is always good to review your blood pressure and medications with your provider at least once a year.
If you don't have one already, I recommend purchasing an automated blood pressure machine for your home. If you feel lightheaded, dizzy, or off-balance, check your blood pressure to see if that is the culprit.
A heart attack or a stroke are medical EMERGENCIES. If you believe you are having a heart attack or a stroke, call 911 immediately.
Common symptoms of a heart attack include crushing chest pain, left arm or shoulder pain, jaw pain, weakness, sweating, and shortness of breath. Not all people get these classic symptoms, so if you feel something is wrong, call your doctor right away or call 911.
Common symptoms of a stroke can be remembered with the acronym FAST.
Facial Droop
Arm weakness: one arm or side of the body does not work like the other or is weak
Slurred speech
Time: Call 911 immediately. Time is essential for the best treatment and recovery!
I know that sometimes it feels like we are a burden to emergency responders, or we are embarrassed to call 911, or we think it would be faster to drive to the nearest emergency room ourselves, but it is actually safer to call 911 and wait for them to come get you. The benefit of having paramedics come to you is that they can start life-saving measures as soon as they get to you. If you pass out, or worse, they are there to provide life support! If you drive yourself, or your friend/family drive you, they can't provide life support if necessary.
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Adherence means taking your medications exactly as prescribed by your provider. This means taking the full dose at the right time every time. If you are missing more than 80% of your doses, this often indicates "non-adherence."
Remembering to take medications is often the hardest part! Use a pillbox, set an alarm, put your medications by the coffee pot or toothbrush and take them BEFORE drinking coffee or brushing teeth.
Sometimes people miss medications for a reason.
- Cost of medication is too high so they are trying to stretch out the prescription
- Side effects or fear of side effects
- Disagree with diagnosis
- Lack of understanding about the medication (why it was prescribed)
- The number of pills they have to take is too high (pill burden)
If you have a reason for missing a medication, please discuss with your provider. They may find a less expensive, better tolerated therapy or they may be able to explain why you are taking a medication.
Remember, medications only work if you take them!
The following link takes you to the Colorado Quit Line where counselors and therapies are available for smoking cessation. Most therapies are free through this program!
The following references may be downloaded and printed for patient reference and education.
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