High blood pressure, aka the ‘silent killer’ may go unnoticed until it is too late. Our pharmacists can help you reduce the likelihood of developing it, or help you manage it properly.
Hypertension or high blood pressure occurs when the pressure that your blood pushes against your blood vessels are higher than normal.
Your blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day and varies with activity.
However, if it is constantly elevated, you may be diagnosed with hypertension.
A normal blood pressure reading is less than 120/80 mm Hg, but this number may differ depending on certain medical conditions or your age.
For example, patients with chronic kidney disease or diabetes may require more aggressive treatment in their blood pressure as they are more prone to complications from those diseases. On the other hand, elderly patients may be fine with a higher blood pressure as they are at higher risk of falls if their blood pressure is too low.
It is recommended that you take your blood pressure at the same time each day.*
*One high reading does not indicate hypertension; it is the average reading over a course of days that is a reflection of your blood pressure.
Most people do not experience any symptoms of hypertension, even when it reaches dangerously high levels, hence why it is known as the "silent killer".
Some patients may experience non-specific symptoms such as headaches, shortness of breath, or dizziness.
Hypertension or high blood pressure can put a strain on your blood vessels, making them less elastic and decrease their ability to adequate perfuse your organs.
It can cause damage to many of your vital organs and can negatively affect your health in many other ways.
In addition to prescription medications, many lifestyle and diet modifications can help lower the blood pressure to normal ranges.
For example:
- Stopping smoking or be in a smoke free environment
- Exercise, at least moderate intensity, 30-60min a day for 5-7 times per week
- Reduce stress
- Weight loss
- Reduce sodium consumption
Please contact one of our Pillway pharmacists to get the proper advice you need.
High cholesterol can cause a heart attack or stroke. It may be preventable and treatable. Talk to our pharmacists for long-term, healthy lifestyle strategies and support.
Most people do not experience symptoms of dyslipidemia. It is usually detected during regular health check ups.
Most people without any risk factors should start screening at 40 years for men and 40 years old or post-menopausal for women.
People with risk factors for dyslipidemia and certain ethnic background should be screened earlier.
We know that managing heart disease may get stressful since it often involves taking multiple medications to improve different conditions.
If you have questions about your medications, or would like to discuss medication management, our Pillway pharmacy team will be happy to review your drug therapy anytime during our business hours.
Furthermore, Pillway provides customized pre-sorted packaging and medication reminders to help you stay on track and lower the obstacles to achieving improved health and well-being.
It can certainly be difficult to tell if your cholesterol medication, or blood thinner medication is working. It may be frustrating, but it is important to continue taking your medications regularly, as prescribed because these medications work behind the scenes to prevent strokes and heart attacks.
Pillway can connect you with a doctor who can refer you to get blood tests so you can see the results of taking your medications.
Our pharmacy team also follows up with patients to ensure treatments are both effective and safe. You are always looked after.
Some risk factors for stroke include age and family history, which are both difficult to control.
Fortunately, there are lifestyle changes that can help lower your risk. Examples include quitting smoking (if applicable), engaging in regular exercise (at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity weekly), and consuming a low sodium and low trans-fat diet.
Our pharmacists can assess the safety of medications as well as dose and prepare them safely in an expedient manner. We can also participate in stroke prevention and education.
A stroke occurs when the brain is deprived of the blood and oxygen, usually due to blockage or bleeding. When this happens, brain cells start to die and brain damage starts to occur.
There are 2 main types of strokes, ischemic stroke (due to blockage of the blood vessels) and hemorrhagic stroke (due to bursting of blood vessels). Intracerebral hemorrhage is the bleeding within the brain and subarachnoid hemorrhage is the bleeding between brain and surrounding tissues.
There are several potential risk factors such as gender (males usually have higher risk), older age, family history, race, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, physical inactivity, obesity, history/ family history of cardiovascular disease, etc.
Yes. Connect with one of our pharmacists for personalized advice.
Long-term effects of stroke depend on the area, extent of damage and how fast it is treated.
Some people may experience no long-term effects of stroke, while others may experience some of the following:
- Paralysis or weakness usually on one side of the body
- Difficulty speaking
- Effects on cognition such as memory loss, learning issues, attention loss, etc
- Emotional changes like inability to control or express emotions and depression
It may be frustrating since many medications to prevent strokes work behind the scenes, and you often can’t tell if your blood thinner or blood pressure medication is helping.
However, it is important to continue taking your medications regularly, as prescribed. If you have concerns, Pillway can connect you with a doctor who can refer you to get blood tests so you can see the results of taking your medications.
We sort out the perfect dose for you and clearly list all your medications.
We advise you of the exact day and time to take every dose.
Each pill packet is individually packaged for you. Take it with you and tear open when needed.
We answer every request as quickly as we can, usually within 24 hours.
