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Services that reduce travel and encourage social distancing are now more essential than ever, not only for vulnerable populations but all of us as members of our communities. Alto’s free same-day doorstep delivery ensures you have safe and reliable access to medications in this time of uncertainty. 

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Managing your health during the pandemic is a long game. Here are five important heart health strategies to put into play during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Your Heart Health Playbook During COVID-19

What We Know about Heart Health and COVID-19

We mostly hear about how COVID-19 affects the lungs. But any serious viral infection can put stress on the heart by forcing it to work faster and harder as the body mobilizes to defend itself. Even more troubling, COVID-19 infection can cause blood clots in the heart’s arteries or attack and weaken the heart muscle itself. 

Anyone who is already managing high blood pressure or heart disease should take the potential for damage to their cardiovascular system seriously. Just don’t let vigilance and caution spiral into fear. While the gravity of the link between COVID-19 and cardiovascular health should not be understated, there are proactive ways you can support your heart and protect yourself from infection. 

Remember—managing your health during the pandemic is a long game. It’s crucial that you continue to take your medications as prescribed and receive necessary medical care. With this in mind, here are five important heart health strategies to put into play during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Five Heart Health Strategies During COVID-19

For months now you’ve been wearing a mask, social distancing, and avoiding crowded areas whenever possible. We know it hasn’t been easy, but keep it up. According to Penn Medicine cardiologist Helene Glassberg, MD, “The number one thing is to continue what you're doing, which is staying at home when possible, practicing safe distancing, and seeking medical attention if you're having problems.” Dr. Glassberg also recommends exercising caution as states experiment with loosening restrictions, advising, “Stay the course for as long as you can to stay well.”

There have been conflicting news reports involving some blood pressure medications and COVID-19. Despite what you might have read, don’t stop taking your medications without consulting your doctor. Not only is that never a good idea, but several recent studies indicate that there is no cause for concern when it comes to these medications. 

The confusion stemmed from the fact that two common classes of blood pressure drugs, known as angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs), affect the same pathways in the body that the coronavirus takes to reach the lungs and the heart. Multiple types of both medications are available—commonly prescribed ACE inhibitors include lisinopril, captopril, and benazepril, while common ARBs include losartan, valsartan, and azilsartan. 

For a while, experts were unsure if these shared pathways meant that these medications might either help or harm people with the virus. According to Harvard Health, three different studies have found no evidence of harm for people infected with COVID-19 who continue to take ACE inhibitors and ARBs. While there is still research to be done, experts recommend that people already taking these medications should continue to do so. 

The same advice goes for any medications or lifestyle interventions that your doctor has prescribed. If anything, it is more important than ever to remain diligent with your cardiac care plan and stay in communication with your doctor. 

The prospect of sitting in the waiting room at the doctor’s office can be anxiety-provoking right now. While avoiding the doctor might feel like a safe choice in the short-term, skipping your appointments or ignoring symptoms could mean putting yourself at risk of serious health issues like heart attack and stroke, and increasing the danger of complications should you be exposed to COVID-19. 

Talk with your doctor about what safety measures have been put in place to protect you from COVID-19 exposure during your visits. Together you can assess the risks and create a plan to continue monitoring your blood pressure and heart health. Telehealth, which allows you to meet with your doctor via phone or video, may be an option and is often covered by insurance. 

If you pair virtual doctor visits with free hand-delivery of your prescription medications through Alto, you can avoid both the waiting room and long lines at the pharmacy. Transferring your prescriptions to Alto is easy and free—we’ll take care of the work for you. We’ll ask you to choose a convenient delivery window, and one of our couriers will bring your medications straight to your door at no additional cost. We can even provide completely contactless delivery if you prefer. 

Don’t Drop the Ball on Your Healthy Habits

Even though we’ve been at it for months, staying motivated to keep up healthy habits from home can still be a struggle. The stress and anxiety so many of us are feeling right now may affect our energy levels or cause us to lose interest in our usual activities. When facing distressing news reports or personal hardship, it’s tempting to self-soothe in various unhealthy ways. It’s okay to indulge sometimes, but try not to slide too far into less healthy coping mechanisms for the sake of your heart and your emotional well-being.

Cooking heart-healthy meals at home can boost your overall wellness and serve as a creative outlet. The American Heart Association created this resource for making smart shopping choices on a budget and offers a library of recipes to suit any skill level or craving. Staying active is equally important. If you find it difficult to work out from home, try thinking outside the box of what you’d normally consider fitness. For example, giving your kitchen a good scrub will get your heart rate up, and seeing your countertops sparkle will most likely relieve some stress. If you prefer to keep it simple, a brisk walk around your neighborhood is an effective choice that can help you feel connected to your community from a safe distance. 

Unfortunately, heart attacks and strokes don’t take a break when a global pandemic strikes. Do not delay getting emergency medical care because you fear going to the emergency room due to COVID-19. Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States, even now, and the hospital is the safest place you can be if you think you are experiencing a heart attack or stroke. Call 911 immediately at the first sign of trouble—the American Heart Association offers this resource for identifying a heart attack or stroke. We also recommend reading our article, “Heart Health Warning Signs to Watch Out For.” 

We are fully prepared to deliver your heart medications safely and on time throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Our pharmacy locations are stocked, our couriers are standing by, and our pharmacists are on-call to answer questions and assist with coordinating refills or requesting longer fills. We offer free, contactless delivery with every single prescription so you can rest easy at home knowing that everything you need is on its way. 

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

It’s important to be vigilant for symptoms of cardiovascular disease. But if your heart was on the decline would you know the warning signs? From the subtle to the serious, let’s take a look at some of the ways your body could be sounding the heart health alarm.

Heart Health Warning Signs to Watch Out For

Unfortunately, not everybody has a tell-tale heart. Sometimes, when trouble is brewing within your chest, the signs can be surprisingly subtle. The heart might send an SOS with barely a whisper or offer clues that it’s pumping less effectively in areas of the body where you don’t expect them. 

Chest pain is a classic sign of heart trouble. If the pain comes on suddenly, especially if it’s accompanied by dizziness, sweating, nausea, or shortness of breath, it’s time to call 911. You could be having a heart attack and you don’t want to hesitate.

While this sensation may be felt as a sharp or stabbing pain, it can also present as a tightness or pressure. Many people have described the feeling of a heavy weight on their chest. However it presents, any sudden and overwhelming feeling in your chest is cause for alarm. Be sure to seek medical attention right away.

It’s important to note that chest pain doesn’t always center on the heart. It’s common for pain to radiate to the jaw and neck or even into your back or arms. While pain in the center of the chest is the most common sign of heart trouble for both men and women, women are more likely to experience radiating pain signals than men (although men experience them too). 

Before a full-blown heart attack occurs, the heart might send warning signs in the form of more subtle pain for months or even years. If you have pain in your upper body that comes on with exertion and subsides with rest, it could be an indication there’s an issue with your heart. On the other hand, some heart attacks happen without any of these warnings, so don’t assume your pain is innocuous just because it’s happening for the first time. 

Your heart is a pump. When it isn’t functioning properly, less blood reaches your lungs and muscles, causing you to become tired and out of breath more easily. We all get breathless after a set of jump squats or a sprint, but if you find that your threshold is noticeably diminished—for example, becoming very tired or out of breath after walking up a flight of stairs or carrying groceries—it’s time to talk to your doctor. Additionally, if you experience breathlessness while lying down or otherwise at rest, it’s definitely a sign to get checked out.

Strange Sensations or Swelling in Your Limbs

If your blood vessels have become narrowed due to a buildup of fatty deposits, it can reduce the circulation of blood to your arms and legs. When this happens, you might experience pain, numbness, weakness, or coldness in your limbs. Much like chest pain, if the sensation worsens with exertion and subsides upon rest, it may be of particular concern. But tell your doctor about your symptoms no matter what.

On the flip side, when blood flow slows down, the blood returning to the heart can get backed up, causing a build-up of fluid in the tissues. If you have unexplained swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs it could be a warning sign of heart failure, so let your doctor know. 

If your heartbeat feels irregular or rapid, it’s not necessarily a reason to be concerned. That fluttery feeling could be caused by anxiety, dehydration, or even too much caffeine. However, it could also be a sign that your heart is attempting to play “catch up” after falling behind. Take note of what else is going on when you feel this sensation. If your heartbeat suddenly becomes rapid while you’re at rest or has frequent bouts at an oddly irregular pace, it could indicate that your heart is struggling. Tell your doctor about your symptoms. 

We all sweat, but usually we can attribute it to the blazing sun or a tough workout. Sweating is a normal, healthy function that helps the body cool itself down. However, if you break out into a cold sweat for no apparent reason, it could be a sign of a heart attack, especially if it is accompanied by any of the other symptoms mentioned here. If unexplained sweating starts suddenly and you don’t feel right, call 911 right away.

A little snoring here and there is totally normal. However, if you’re regularly waking up your whole household or making choking or gasping noises in your sleep, it could be a sign of sleep apnea—a condition where you stop breathing for brief moments throughout the night. According to John Hopkins Medicine, sleep apnea is associated with high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart attack. If you frequently wake up short of breath or your loved ones have resorted to sleeping with pillows over their heads, it’s a good idea to schedule a checkup. 

Most of the time, trouble achieving or maintaining an erection is a problem with circulation or blood pressure. According to the Mayo Clinic, erectile dysfunction could be an early warning sign of heart disease. While there may be other factors at play, your doctor should investigate the possibility of heart issues before recommending treatment. 

Your heart sometimes has a roundabout way of speaking up, so it’s important to know what you’re listening for. The earlier you detect the warning signs of heart disease, the easier it will be to treat. If any symptom or sensation is causing you concern, talk to your doctor, especially if you have a family history of heart disease, smoke, or have other underlying risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes. Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States year after year, but experts believe it is about 80% preventable. There are lifestyle changes, treatments, and medications that can help. 

If you and your doctor decide to explore treatment options for heart disease, know that our team will be standing by. Our pharmacies are stocked with the full assortment of heart health medications your doctor might prescribe and our cardiology specialists are available to answer your questions with a simple text, call, or in-app message. We offer same-day delivery on all your medications so you don’t have to miss a beat while you ensure that your heart stays steady and strong. 

Our hearts work so hard for us. Is there a way we can return that effort and hopefully keep them beating for a long time to come? We answer this question and more as we explore your top heart health FAQs.

Your Top 5 Questions About Heart Health, Answered!

The human heart is astonishingly tireless. Over an average lifetime, it will beat 2.5 billion times and pump out millions of gallons of blood. With such an impressive output, it’s amazing it doesn’t malfunction more often. However, as exceptionally reliable as our hearts may be, they’re still susceptible to wear and tear. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, although the CDC estimates that it’s 80% preventable. 

What is the link between cholesterol and heart health?

Cholesterol gets a bad rep, but it isn’t inherently bad. Our bodies need it to build cells. We produce enough cholesterol on our own, but we also take it in when we eat animal products like meat and dairy. Additionally, foods that are high in saturated and trans fats can stimulate our bodies to make more cholesterol than we need. 

When there’s too much cholesterol in our blood it can build up in our artery walls, limiting or even blocking the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart. Even worse, if a chunk breaks off and blocks an artery that leads to the heart or brain, a heart attack or stroke may occur. 

The American Heart Association recommends having your cholesterol levels tested every 4 to 6 years unless your doctor determines that you should check more frequently. High cholesterol can be addressed through diet and lifestyle changes or your doctor may prescribe a cholesterol-lowering drug, such as a statin. 

We need the sodium in salt to live. But, as is often the case, we can have too much of a good thing. Excess sodium causes the body to hold on to more fluid. More water in the bloodstream increases the volume of blood, which in turn increases blood pressure. High blood pressure can put a strain on our heart and is a major risk factor of heart disease, so make sure your doctor checks yours regularly.

Most Americans consume far more sodium than they need. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 2,300 mg of sodium per day, which is equivalent to one teaspoon of salt. Some of the biggest hidden-sodium culprits are processed meats, canned foods, frozen dinners, and prepared sauces and condiments. If you’re seeking convenience, look for an option that’s labeled “low sodium.” 

How do I make heart-healthy food choices?

Beyond reducing sodium, The American Heart Association recommends including plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains at every meal. A high-fiber diet has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease.

Limiting saturated and trans fats will have the biggest impact on lowering your cholesterol. Try to choose skinless poultry, fish, and legumes over red meat and stick to low-fat dairy when you can. You’ll also want to favor nontropical vegetable oils like olive, corn, or canola over saturated oils like coconut or palm and avoid hydrogenated margarine and shortening. There are plenty of ways to substitute ingredients in your favorite meals to make them better for your heart.

Finally, while there are many vitamins and supplements out there claiming to promote heart health, studies on some, such as calcium and vitamin E, have been conflicting. After completing a review of the relevant research, a team of researchers at Johns Hopkins cautioned against relying on supplements. Physician Edgar R. Miller III, M.D., Ph.D., summed up their findings by saying, “The bottom line is, we don’t recommend supplements to treat or to prevent cardiovascular disease.” One possible exception is omega-3 fatty acids, however Miller recommends dietary sources such as fish or walnuts. 

What lifestyle choices will help keep my heart healthy?

We’ve already discussed the importance of monitoring your blood pressure and cholesterol levels as well as reducing sodium intake and choosing heart-healthy foods. Here are three more ways to give your heart a boost. 

Quit smoking: According to the CDC, smoking is a major cause of heart disease, accounting for about a quarter of all related deaths in the United States. It’s not easy, but you can give up cigarettes for good—the American Heart Association provides some helpful tips. 

Don’t forget your cardio: Activities like walking, running, swimming, and biking will help to condition your heart and lungs. Try to get your heart rate up by exercising at a moderate intensity for at least 2-3 hours per week. How do you know if you’ve hit the sweet spot in terms of intensity? Well, the CDC explains that the “talk test” can help. You’ll know you’ve reached moderate intensity if you can comfortably talk but not sing. 

Manage stress: Research suggests that high levels of cortisol from long-term stress can increase cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure—all common risk factors for heart disease. Plus, some of the unhealthy ways we deal with stress, like smoking and comfort foods, are contributors as well. For a more positive outlet, The American Heart Association suggests these stress-busting activities. 

What are the warning signs of a heart attack?

Though we’re used to seeing dramatic depictions in the movies, not all heart attacks occur with sudden intensity. Many come on gradually with only mild discomfort, but that doesn’t make them any less dangerous. 

According to the American Heart Association, chest discomfort—whether tightness, pressure, squeezing, or pain—is a major symptom to watch out for. The sensation may even radiate across your arm, back, neck, or jaw. Another major warning sign is shortness of breath, which can occur with or without chest discomfort. Additional symptoms of a heart attack include sweating, nausea, vomiting, or lightheadedness. 

If you experience these symptoms or any unusual sensations in your chest, call 911 right away. Getting immediate medical care could save your life. Every minute matters, so even if you’re not sure, don’t hesitate to get help. 

Staying curious about the many facets of heart health could help you live a longer, healthier life. Your heart needs your help maintaining its steady, life-giving pulse. Ask your doctor how you can reduce your risk of heart disease and make sure to get your blood pressure and cholesterol levels checked regularly. At Alto, we’re specialists in cardiac medications, so if you need a prescription to take care of your heart, we’ll be here to take care of you. 

Switch to Alto and you’ll always have a team of experts on your side. We’re available from 9 am - 9 pm PT Monday - Friday and 10 am - 6 pm PT on weekends; reach out via phone, text, or the app.

Mattieu Gamache-Asselin, CEO & Co-founder

Today, I’m proud to announce Alto’s Series C round of $50 million. Over the past three years, we’ve proven that Alto’s model works for doctors and patients alike, reducing administration time for physicians and improving drug adherence rates for patients. This new funding will enable us to expand, reaching even more patients, and to further develop our full-stack platform, driving better health outcomes at a lower cost.

Alto removes the complexity from prescriptions to improve patients’ quality of life. Every prescription requires coordination among doctors, insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, and of course the patient. Traditional brick-and-mortar pharmacies depend on fax, phone and paper, which causes delays, errors in fulfillment, poor adherence rates, and 20 hours of administrative work a week per physician.

We’ve reimagined and completely rebuilt the pharmacy infrastructure to eradicate these problems. Through our provider platform (AltoMD) and pharmacy management software, doctors and insurers spend less time on administration and more time on patient care. For patients, we offer free same-day prescription delivery, but more importantly, cost transparency, personalized in-app and phone support, and faster coordination with doctors and insurance companies to get patients the care they need. Learn more about our app.

The typical Silicon Valley playbook is to enter many new markets rapidly, throw money at problems, and figure things out on the fly. That’s never been Alto’s approach. Because we’re working with critical, life-saving medications, messing up is not an option. We’ve diligently, methodically built robust systems to make certain we leave no patient behind, and we’ll keep that mentality as we expand. Now that we’ve built our critical foundations — the platforms and clinical expertise — it’s time to scale.

Geographic expansion
We want to make sure all of America can benefit from the Alto experience. Last month, we opened our HQ2 in Denver, where we’ve already hired 60 employees across patient care, pharmacy and clinical operations, as a stepping stone to nationwide expansion.

Therapeutic area expansion
So far, we’ve focused on deeply understanding and serving the retail, dermatology, fertility, biologics, and HIV markets. We’re now bringing the same empathy and customized service to autoimmune, endocrinology, and cardiology — areas where patients are frequently overwhelmed with logistics, paperwork and side effects, and where Alto could offer deep value as a trusted partner.

Pharmacy represents 10% of healthcare spending, a $3.3 trillion market. Most pharmacies focus on just capturing as much of that 10% as possible. A select few are working to eliminate the ineffective portions of pharmacy spending. But even they look at the pharmacy spending in isolation.

The truth is, pharmacy shouldn’t be viewed as a disjoint piece. At Alto, we believe better pharmacy will make all of healthcare more effective and reduce healthcare spending overall. We’ve already seen progress — for instance, Alto’s primary adherence rate is 40% higher than the industry average.

From patients, we’ve heard, “Being able to speak to an Alto pharmacist directly allowed me to figure out how my drugs were interacting and causing painful side effects.” Some patients are cost-sensitive and consider skipping the medications that manage their chronic conditions and prevent hospitalizations. We’ve helped by delivering $11 million in medication savings to our patients so far.

From doctors, a common refrain is: “This is the first time my patients have talked to me positively about a pharmacy, and it’s the first time I can actually see what happens to a prescription after I write it.” This experience is why doctors have been the primary fuel of Alto’s growth. UCSF, One Medical, Stanford, and over 10,000 other providers recommend Alto as their preferred pharmacy.

This early progress is energizing, and only possible because of the dedication of Alto’s hardworking team, investors, and partners. Thank you all! The feedback I’m getting from the health ecosystem is even more inspiring — that our potential is nothing short of transformative for our patients and healthcare as a whole. As far as we’ve come, we’re only just getting started.

Empowering Patients By Accelerating Healthcare Innovation

Blog

Your Heart Health Playbook During COVID-19

Heart Health Warning Signs to Watch Out For

Your Top 5 Questions About Heart Health, Answered!

Empowering Patients By Accelerating Healthcare Innovation

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