Top tips for taking your heart medication

Published: 12 March 2025

Whether you’re on medication for high blood pressure, raised cholesterol, heart failure or other heart conditions, following the right steps can make all the difference. Here are some tips to help you stay on track and get the best results from your heart medication.

Taking your medication is vital for managing heart conditions and supporting your overall health. In some cases, you might be prescribed heart medication even if you don’t have heart disease. For instance, if you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, your doctor may recommend medication to help lower your risk of developing heart disease or experiencing a heart attack or stroke. 

With the right approach, you can ensure your heart medication is working effectively and reduce the risk of complications. 

1. Take your medication as prescribed

Doctors prescribe heart medications based on your specific needs, so it’s important to take them exactly as directed. Skipping doses or stopping the medication can cause serious issues. If you ever feel like your medication isn’t working or is causing side effects, consult your doctor before making any changes. 

2. Understand your medication

Do you know what each of your medications does? Understanding their purpose, dosage and possible side effects will enable you to take better control of your heart health. If anything is unclear, don’t hesitate to ask your pharmacist or doctor. 

Read our handy list of questions to ask your pharmacist or doctor about your prescribed medications. 

3. Establish a daily routine

Taking your medication at the same time each day makes it easier to remember. Try making it part of your daily habits: whether it’s before you get out of bed, with breakfast or before brushing your teeth. A pill organiser or reminder app can also help prevent missed doses, or you can set a daily alarm or use a calendar. 

If you’re on several daily medications, your pharmacist can package your pills into daily blister packs or you can use a pillbox divided into the days of the week.

4. Avoid medication interactions

Some common heart medications can interact with other prescribed medications, over-the-counter medications, and even vitamins and supplements. For example, certain pain relievers can interfere with blood pressure medications. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before adding anything new, including complementary and alternative therapies, as they may interact with your heart medication. Your heart medication might not work as well or you may have more side effects.

5. Foods to avoid

Did you know that some foods can affect how your heart medication works? For instance, grapefruit can interfere with cholesterol-lowering drugs like statins, and foods high in vitamin K can affect how warfarin works. Be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist if there are any foods you should avoid.

6. Pay attention to side effects

Some heart medications may cause dizziness, nausea, fatigue or other side effects. While mild side effects can be common and will go away with time, severe reactions should not be ignored. Keep track of how you feel and inform your doctor of any concerning or unusual symptoms, as they may need to adjust your dosage or switch medications. Never stop taking your medication without talking to your doctor first.

7. Keep an updated medication list

Managing multiple medications? Keep a written or digital list of everything you take, including the name, dosage and frequency. This is especially helpful for doctor visits, emergency situations or when starting a new medication. 

Be sure to list all the medications you take – not only heart-related ones – including topical treatments like creams and patches, over-the-counter tablets, and any supplements or herbal remedies. 

You can download or order an emergency details card from our website so you have a medication list on hand in your wallet or handbag.

8. Don’t run out of medication

Running out of medication even for a day can cause problems, especially with heart-related conditions. Set yourself reminders to refill prescriptions ahead of time and consider signing up for automatic repeats if available.

9. Monitor your health

Tracking your blood pressure and heart rate (if necessary), and any other symptoms, can help you and your doctor ensure your medication is working effectively. Keeping a journal helps you see patterns and share accurate information. If you notice new symptoms or changes in your condition, contact your healthcare provider.

10. Communicate with your doctor

Your medication needs may change over time, so regular check-ups are essential. If you’re struggling with side effects let your doctor know. They can adjust your treatment plan to better suit your needs and ensure your medication remains effective.

Taking charge of your heart health

Managing your heart medications may feel overwhelming at first, but with the right approach it can become a manageable part of your daily routine. By staying informed and being organised and proactive, you can improve your heart health and feel your best.