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Cardiologists recommend over-the-counter (OTC) medications like aspirin as a treatment for heart disease. Zaki Lababidi, MD, FACC, FSCAI, Sharolyn McClurg, NP, and the team At Home Cardiology in Gilbert, Arizona, provide OTC medication consultations through their telehealth cardiology practice. They make sure you take OTC medications that help your heart and avoid the ones that may cause problems. Learn more about OTC medication for heart disease by calling today or scheduling a telehealth consultation online. The team also does home visits.
What is an OTC medication?
An OTC medication is any drug you buy without a prescription. These medications treat many common health issues like pain, allergies, and constipation. OTC medications are safe for most people when taken as directed.
Though easy to purchase, these drugs contain active ingredients that affect the body in some way, such as increasing blood pressure or heart rate. When taken in high doses, these drugs may cause serious harm like gastric bleeding or liver damage.
Some OTC medications interact with prescription drugs, making the drugs (OTC or prescription) more or less effective.
If you have concerns about OTC medications, talk to your doctor or pharmacist for personalized guidance.
What OTC medication can protect heart health?
At Home Cardiology may recommend using OTC medications to manage heart health. Aspirin is an OTC medication doctors recommend for people with heart disease.
Aspirin has anti-clotting and anti-platelet effects that help prevent the formation of blood clots. Blood clots can block the flow of blood in an artery, causing serious health complications like a heart attack or stroke.
If you have heart disease, the At Home Cardiology team may recommend you take one baby aspirin a day to keep your arteries open.
You shouldn’t take aspirin daily without first talking to your doctor. You can’t prevent heart disease by taking aspirin every day.
What OTC medications should I avoid?
Some OTC medications may negatively affect cardiovascular health or interact with your prescription medication. The At Home Cardiology team provides personalized recommendations about what OTC medication you need to take with caution.
You may need to avoid OTC pain relievers that contain acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (most NSAIDs) if you have a heart condition. These medications can increase blood pressure and put you at risk of heart complications.
The team may also suggest avoiding allergy medications that contain pseudoephedrine, a stimulant that increases blood pressure and heart rate.
OTC medication is an important part of your cardiology treatment plan. Some medications you can buy at the local pharmacy benefit heart health, while others may cause harm. The At Home Cardiology team provides the personalized guidance you need.
Call At Home Cardiology today or book your OTC medication telehealth appointment online.