In the hustle and bustle of daily life, keeping our hearts in check often slips down the list of priorities. But heart health awareness can be a game-changer for employers and their employees, too. Not only can it help safeguard a community's well-being by preventing the leading cause of death , in the United States, it also helps hedge against risks for the workforce and their families.
This February, American Heart Month, is a perfect reminder of the role we all play in promoting heart health. Plan sponsors offer pharmacy benefits that are crucial to members with heart disease. And, while care providers manage cardiovascular diseases, pharmacists serve a crucial role managing prescribed treatment – not just as experts in medications, but as partners in personalized care.
Convenient delivery of common medications
The pharmacy network in your plan matters, too. For instance, with a mail order pharmacy like CarelonRx Pharmacy in your network, members can receive long-term maintenance medications delivered conveniently to their homes, making it easier to stay on top of their health. As you consider how best to support heart health in the workplace, here's a list of commonly prescribed medications for heart patients that pharmacists help manage:
Anticoagulants (E.g. Apixaban, Rivaroxaban): Known as "blood thinners," these medications help in preventing blood clots from forming in blood vessels, lowering the risk of strokes or heart attacks. These medications can increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, pharmacists may advise patients to monitor for signs of excessive bleeding, such as prolonged nosebleeds or unusual bruising.
ACE inhibitors (E.g. Benazepril, Captopril): Mainly used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure, these medications lower blood pressure by dilating blood vessels and reducing the heart's workload. These medications can cause a persistent, dry cough for some people, or (rarely) swelling in the mouth or throat. Pharmacists can educate patients on how to identify these symptoms and when to seek medical attention.
Beta Blockers (E.g. Atenolol, Metoprolol): Primarily used to slow the heart rate and lower blood pressure, these help the heart beat more slowly and with less force. These medications can cause fatigue, cold hands or feet, and, in some cases, can worsen asthma symptoms. A pharmacist can advise on monitoring these side effects and discuss any concerns with the healthcare provider.
Digoxin (E.g. Lanoxin): This medication increases the force of the heart's contractions and slows a fast heart rate. It is beneficial in treating heart failure and irregular heartbeats. Also, it addresses certain types of irregular heartbeats, particularly atrial fibrillation. Digoxin plays a critical role in relieving symptoms when there is a poor response to other standard treatments, so pharmacists may answer questions on effectiveness, safety and more.
Diuretics (E.g. Acetazolamide, Amiloride): Also known as "water pills," these medications help the body rid itself of excess fluids and sodium, reducing the heart's workload and helping to lower blood pressure. These can cause increased urination, which may lead to dehydration, and could also affect potassium levels. Pharmacists can educate patients on signs of dehydration and the importance of regular blood tests to monitor electrolyte levels.
Statins (E.g. Atorvastatin, Rosuvastatin): Statins work by reducing the level of LDL ("bad") cholesterol in the body, as high LDL cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease. Statins may be used when lifestyle changes like diet and exercise are not enough to reduce cholesterol levels. It's important to monitor the use of statins due to potential side effects such as muscle pain and liver damage.
For all these medications, pharmacists can consult on the potential side effects of the prescribed therapy and ways to manage them.
The value of connected pharmacy care
Pharmacy care for heart health works as an integral part of a connected care approach to whole health, going beyond how medications are prescribed and dispensed. It also supports patient education for plan members – from the critical need to adhere to their treatment plans, to how lifestyle changes and nutrition can enhance heart health. In cases where members with heart conditions are required to intake multiple medications, pharmacists can provide guidance on potential interactions to help reduce related complications or health events.
For employers and health plan sponsors, the value of supporting heart patients in the workplace with convenient, cost-effective pharmacy solutions is essential. Your pharmacy benefit illuminates the path, helping you and your members make informed decisions year-round – not just in February. Here's to healthier hearts for all!
Information contained in this article was compiled from publicly available sources at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (cdc.gov), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (fda.gov), the American Heart Association (heart.org), and Pharmacy Times (pharmacytimes.com).
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