Early detection and management of medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol is key to lowering your risk of heart disease.
Did you know?
Blood pressure is the force of blood pumped from your heart against your blood vessels. This force allows your blood to flow, while delivering oxygen and nutrients, throughout your body. Too much pressure, and for too long, can damage your blood vessels and organs such as the heart, kidneys, eyes, and brain.
Cholesterol is a fatty substance your body needs to rebuild its cells and to make certain hormones. It's carried throughout your body in your bloodstream. Your body only requires a small amount of cholesterol.
High cholesterol occurs when there is an excess of cholesterol in your bloodstream. This is a common condition, and cholesterol levels tend to increase with age. Unfortunately, high cholesterol can significantly increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and conditions related to reduced blood flow.
Assess your risk
Almost all of us have at least one risk factor for heart disease or stroke. However, some people might be at greater risk for several reasons such as having a family history of heart attacks, smoking, advanced age and gender. The Heart & Stroke Risk Assessment can rate your heart health in 7 minutes and offer you simple tips to help reduce your risk and can become a part of your heart health plan. Bring these results to your Rexall Pharmacist who can offer helpful advice on ways to manage your risks.
Know your numbers.
High blood pressure is one of the major risk factors for heart disease, stroke and kidney failure. Unfortunately, it is difficult to tell when your blood pressure is high because most people do not experience any symptoms.
High cholesterol usually has no obvious symptoms.
Like high blood pressure, it's a "silent" condition that offers no early warning. Most people first discover the problem during a routine blood test and physical exam.
The good news is that Rexall Pharmacists can help you interpret your numbers. Simply check your blood pressure at the Blood Pressure kiosk available at your Rexall store*. If you require closer monitoring of your blood pressure, be sure to visit your doctor for support. Additionally, your Rexall Pharmacist can show you how to monitor your blood pressure from home with your own Blood Pressure Meter. Your Pharmacist can help you interpret your cholesterol lab values and work with you to determine if you’re due to get checked again.
Make heart health a habit by living a healthier lifestyle, including:
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- quitting smoking
- keeping your blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure in check
- managing your medications
- being physically active
- achieving and maintaining a healthy weight
- enjoying a variety of nutritious foods
- taking time to unwind and relax
- researching – there are many resources and websites available to support you
Stay on top of your medications
Always take your medications regularly everyday as prescribed by your doctor,. Before you make any decisions to alter your medications, it’s important to have a conversation with your healthcare provider. We also encourage you to sit down for a heart-to-heart with your Rexall Pharmacist for a Medication Review. This will help identify any medication-related issues you might be having. If your prescriptions are not at Rexall, don’t worry, simply speak to your Rexall Pharmacist and they will help get your prescription files transferred.
Make it easier to stay on top of your medications with helpful medication management tools like Auto Refill, Rexall Reminder and RightDose. Speak with your Rexall Pharmacist to enroll today!
Don’t forget to seek support from family, friends, your doctor and your Rexall Pharmacist – you are more likely to stick to your goals if the people who care about you are cheering you on, offering support and keeping you accountable.
*Where available.
