Today marks WEEK FIVE of our Heart@Home campaign!
Taking your medications is especially important if you have Heart Failure to help you live longer, breathe easier, have more energy, and decrease swelling. Taking your medications every day is also important to help keep you out of the hospital. Even if you are feeling well, it's important to take your medications as prescribed to keep your heart as healthy as possible.
However, we know that it is not always easy to remember to take your medications especially when life gets busy - which is why we created the Medication Tracker tool! This week's Heart@Home goal will help you stay on top of your medications.
Heart @ Home Goal #5
Track your medications everyday for 1 week
Steps:
Log into Heart Failure Health Storylines
Click the ‘Medication Tracker’ tool on the home screen
Click ‘Add Medication’ to enter each medication
Click ‘Finished’ when done
Now you're ready! Every day you will receive a reminder to take your medications. Don't forget to click 'Take' or 'Skip' to indicate if you remembered or forgot to take your medication that day.
The ‘Medication Tracker’ is a tool that allows you to keep a record of your medications. It also automatically sets reminders for you to help you remember when to take your medications. You can easily share your medication list and any skipped days with your pharmacist or doctor. The more information your providers have on your medication habits, the more they can help take care of your health.
Note that reminders are set automatically, however, you now have the option of choosing “no reminders” if you don’t want to be reminded.
The main types of Heart Failure medications are:
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
Beta-Blockers
Digoxin
ARBs (angiotensin receptor blockers)
Diuretics (water pills)
Aldosterone antagonists
Isosorbide dinitrate/hydralazine
For more information on Heart Failure medications, please the button below to visit this free resource from the Heart Failure Society of America.
Not only will you feel more in control of your Heart Failure once you start tracking your medications on a daily basis, but you will also have more information to share with your doctor. This can help you and your doctor identify any problems earlier and help you avoid unnecessary health complications.
Get started today by using the Heart Failure Storylines app to manage your Heart Health.
Take care,
The Heart Failure Storylines Team
*Note it is important to seek help immediately and tell your doctor if you experience any alarming symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, profuse sweating, or a sudden change in weight (+/- 2 pounds in a day).*