ABC22 - Burlington and Plattsburgh News, Weather and Sports - ABC22.comPills can be a life-saver -- but only if you take them

By Diane Griffith, Staff Writer, myOptumHealth
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Those pills for your blood pressure or cholesterol may be a pain to remember. Besides, you feel fine. So why bother taking them?

Well, for a very good reason. According to the American Heart Association, tens of thousands of deaths, hospital admissions and slow recoveries from illness each year result from people not following their doctors' advice.

Just because high blood pressure and high cholesterol have no symptoms doesn't mean you don't need medication. Remember that high blood pressure does not have a cure. So if you're on medication for it, you'll probably need to stay on it for the rest of your life.

Medications to lower blood pressure and cholesterol can help you avoid a heart attack or stroke by slowing down the progression of hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) and even reversing some of its harmful effects. The drugs may not change the way you feel right now, but they can save your life.

Tips for taking medication

You must take your medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. When your doctor gives you a new prescription, ask what the medication is for and how it acts in your body.

If you have a problem remembering to take your medicine, try these tips.

• Keep a chart of the different types of medication you take for your various conditions. Note when you are supposed to take them and at what dosage. Check off when you take the medication. Take the chart with you when you see the doctor.
• Take the medication with meals or during some other daily routine, like brushing your teeth. Get your doctor's OK first.
• Try a pill box that separates the pills according to days and times. Your pharmacy usually carries these.
• Tape reminders where you are likely to see them.

Call your doctor if you develop unpleasant side effects, but don't stop taking any medication on your own. Your doctor may adjust the dose or switch you to another medication. Don't be discouraged if you have side effects, such as tiredness. It may take a while for your body to adjust and for the side effects to go away. Also, it may take several tries to find the medication that is right for you.

If the cost of the medication is a problem, tell your doctor. The drug may be available in generic form, which means it is the same as the brand name, but may cost much less. If it is still out of your price range, ask your doctor if the drug company offers an assistance program. You may be able to get the medication at a reduced rate, or even for free.

And remember to exercise according to your doctor's advice, get to and maintain a healthy weight and eat right. You can help yourself lower blood pressure and cholesterol by maintaining good lifestyle habits.

SOURCES:

• American Heart Association Accessed: 03/11/2010

• The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health Accessed: 03/11/2010