OPINION - We’re all so caught up in the daily grind of preparing meals, juggling family life and keeping up with never-ending work demands that it is easy to fall into a routine where we merely tick off tasks, barely pausing to consider our health. 

Often, it is only when a major health scare strikes that we finally take a moment to listen to our bodies. But what if we didn't wait for that wake-up call?

The importance of proactive health management becomes even more apparent when considering these alarming statistics from the Heart and Stroke Foundation of South Africa. 

Every day, 215 South Africans lose their lives to heart disease or strokes. Every hour, five people suffer heart attacks, while ten experience strokes. 

Tragically, ten of these individuals will lose their lives.

Sameera Kumandan, a pharmacist at Medipost Holdings, South Africa’s first national courier pharmacy, highlights the gravity of the situation. 

“Cardiac conditions rank among the leading causes of illness and death worldwide, and they significantly impact our nation,” she says. “Sadly, these diseases often progress silently, making awareness and prevention crucial.”

She warns that patients should be vigilant about subtle changes and be on the lookout for symptoms such as persistent headaches, shortness of breath or swollen ankles, which may signal heart issues. 

“If you notice anything that feels ‘off’, it’s time to make an appointment with your healthcare provider. Regular blood pressure checks can detect problems early, potentially preventing serious events,” Kumandan advises.

Effective heart health management, including medication adherence, lifestyle changes and awareness, can drastically improve outcomes.”

Kumandan underscores the vital educational role that pharmacists can fulfil in healthcare. 

“By highlighting the importance of regular cardiovascular screenings, pharmacists can empower patients to take charge of their health. They can guide patients to consistently monitor their blood pressure and promptly seek medical advice. Early detection is crucial; failing to address high blood pressure in time can result in irreversible damage to the heart. Through education and support, pharmacists are positioned to make a meaningful impact on preventing serious health issues.

“After receiving a heart disease diagnosis, patients often feel overwhelmed,” she notes. “Pharmacists can assist by helping patients make informed choices about diet, exercise, and other heart-healthy lifestyle adjustments, explaining how each decision impacts overall heart health.”

Financial constraints, limited healthcare access and dietary challenges are significant barriers to heart health management,” Kumandan points out. 

“By providing accessible guidance, pharmacists play a critical role in supporting heart health, especially for those unable to frequently access traditional healthcare services.”

Pharmacists also play a vital role in chronic disease management. "Many of our patients using Medipost Pharmacy appreciate the convenience and sense of reassurance afforded through having access to telephonic advice from pharmacists, which is part of our service offering. These frequent check-ins allow for ongoing monitoring and guidance, supplementing the less frequent doctor visits,” she explains. 

When dealing with high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which can result in strokes and heart disease, here are some typical treatments, along with a brief description of their uses: 

High blood pressure treatments

• Diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide, help reduce blood volume to lower blood pressure.
• Beta-blockers, like atenolol, work by slowing the heart rate, making it easier for the heart to pump blood.
• Calcium channel blockers, such as amlodipine, decrease the force of heart contractions, aiding in blood pressure control.
• ACE inhibitors, like enalapril and ARBs, including losartan, promote vasodilation, which helps to relax blood vessels and reduce blood pressure.

High cholesterol treatments

• Statins, such as simvastatin, reduce the body's production of cholesterol, helping to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Blood thinners

• Aspirin helps prevent the formation of blood clots, thereby reducing the risk of stroke and heart attack.

“Sticking to treatment plans is crucial for patients with heart conditions. Taking your medication daily is key to slowing down the disease and patients must understand the benefits of regular medication use in maintaining a good quality of life. By discussing the risks of not following the treatment, patients can make better informed health choices,” Kumandan emphasises.

Side effects and how to avoid them

According to Kumandan, patients may experience side effects like muscle spasms from cholesterol medications or coughs from anti-hypertensives, among other symptoms. 

“Patients must, therefore, have open conversations with their healthcare providers regarding the symptoms and the treatment options available to mitigate them. For instance, magnesium supplements will prevent statin-induced muscle pain; however, always consult a professional before adjusting your treatment plan,” she says.

Over-the-counter and herbal products

Kumandan explains that patients must be wary of using medication without proper medical advice. “Patients with heart conditions should exercise caution with herbal supplements and OTC medications, as some can adversely affect heart health. Decongestants, for instance, can raise blood pressure. Therefore, always consult a pharmacist before taking additional products.”

Lifestyle recommendations

“Stress can greatly affect your heart health. Instead of turning to smoking, processed foods or inactivity, try positive coping methods like regular exercise, meditation or deep breathing exercises. These changes can make a big difference in preventing or managing heart conditions. Here’s what you can do,” she advises.

• Follow a diet low in sodium and high in fruit and vegetables.
• Take part in regular exercise, even if it’s as simple as a daily 30-minute walk.
• Try to quit smoking as soon as possible.
• Limit your alcohol intake.
• Manage your stress and mental health effectively.

Pharmacists play a vital role in supporting patients as they manage their heart conditions, offering reassurance and a listening ear. 

With the rise of telehealth, pharmacists are more involved in patient care, from routine screenings to health consultations.

“In addition to facilitating the delivery of medicines, Medipost Pharmacy provides support for chronic medication users in all 11 official languages. With expert pharmacists by your side, you can confidently navigate your journey to better heart health and an improved quality of life. Our chronic delivery service ensures your medication arrives on time, making treatment adherence simple,” Kumandan concludes.

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Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Group Editors and its publications.  

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