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With effective treatment, including blood pressure medications, you can live an active life. Learn about the common blood pressure medications and their side effects.

Common Types of Blood Pressure Medications

High blood pressure, which affects nearly half of all U.S. adults, occurs when the force of the blood flowing through your arteries is consistently too high, forcing the heart to work harder. Over time, high blood pressure can damage major organs including the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes and lead to life-threatening issues like heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.

With effective treatment, including both heart-healthy lifestyle habits and prescription blood pressure medications, you can control your blood pressure and live an active life. There are a variety of blood pressure medications, and it may take some time for you and your doctor to determine the best treatment for your needs. The good news is that with so many available and effective medications, you’re likely to find one that’s right for you. Read on to learn more about the most common classes of blood pressure medications and their side effects.

Diuretics lower blood pressure by helping the body get rid of excess sodium and water, reducing the volume of fluid in blood vessels. They are often a frontline treatment for high blood pressure, as research studies have found them to be one of the most effective blood pressure medication classes at preventing stroke and heart attack fatalities.

Diuretics commonly used to treat high blood pressure include:

Chlorthalidone (Thalitone®, Tenoretic®, and Clorpres®)

Hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril®, Microzide®, and Esidrix®)

Common side effects of diuretics include dehydration, thirst, low sodium levels, headaches, and dizziness. In some cases, drinking more fluids isn’t enough to treat dehydration. Contact your doctor if you experience severe thirst, mouth dryness, or constipation; if your urine is a deep yellow; or if you have a bad headache. Taking multiple medications may exacerbate these side effects. To minimize medication interactions, speak with your doctor about the ideal timing of doses for each medication.

Some diuretics decrease your potassium levels, in which case you may experience weakness, leg cramps, or fatigue. Eating potassium-rich foods can help combat these side effects. Consult with your doctor about taking potassium supplements if you experience any of these symptoms.

Diuretics may increase blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Adjusting your diet or the dosages of your diabetes medication(s) often addresses this issue. Learn more about how Alto can support your diabetes treatment.

Beta blockers cause the heart to beat more slowly and less forcefully, lowering your blood pressure. They also help improve overall blood flow by opening up your veins and arteries.

Beta blockers commonly used to treat high blood pressure include:

Common side effects from taking beta blockers include:

Beta blockers may block signs of low blood sugar such as a rapid heart rate in people with diabetes. If you have diabetes and take insulin, it’s important to check blood sugar levels often while taking beta blockers.

These medications may also affect your cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Most often, they cause a modest increase in triglycerides, a type of fat found in your blood, and a slight decrease in HDL (high-density lipoprotein), or “good” cholesterol. These changes are usually temporary.

Beta blockers aren’t typically used by people with asthma, as they may trigger severe asthma attacks. Abruptly stopping use of beta-blockers may increase your risk of a heart attack or other health complications, especially if you have been taking the medication for a long time. Consult with your healthcare provider about the potential risks and benefits of treating your hypertension with beta-blockers.

ACE inhibitors lower blood pressure by blocking production of a hormone called angiotensin II, which causes blood vessels to narrow. These medications help constricted blood vessels expand so that more blood can flow through.

ACE inhibitors commonly used to treat high blood pressure include:

A chronic dry, hacking cough is one of the most common side effects of ACE inhibitors, affecting as many as 35% of people who take these medications. Researchers aren’t entirely sure why some people experience this side effect and not others, but the following factors may contribute to it:

Gender — women tend to be more susceptible

Studies have found that a combination of two or more of the factors above is needed to produce the side effect.

Cough medicines typically aren’t effective at treating an ACE inhibitor-related cough. In some cases, this side effect may improve on its own. If you are experiencing a cough from taking ACE inhibitors, the best course of action is to discuss the pros and cons of switching to another medication with your doctor.

Additional possible side effects of ACE inhibitors include:

ACE inhibitors can harm both mother and baby during pregnancy. If you’re taking an ACE inhibitor and think you might be pregnant, speak with your doctor immediately.

Like ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) also protect blood vessels from the hormone angiotensin II. Angiotensin II must bind with a receptor site to constrict blood vessels. ARBs block the receptors to prevent blood vessels from tightening, which lowers blood pressure.

ARBs commonly used to treat high blood pressure include:

ARBs may produce harmful interactions with other medications. This medication class should not be taken with an ACE inhibitor, as the combination can lead to a greater risk for low blood pressure, kidney damage, and high potassium levels. Speak with your doctor before taking painkillers like ibuprofen or naproxen, as these medications may interact with ARBs to increase your potassium levels.

ARBs are not safe to take during pregnancy, as they can severely harm a developing fetus. If you think you might be pregnant, consult with your doctor immediately.

Calcium channel blockers prevent calcium from entering the smooth muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels. Decreasing the calcium in these cells makes the heart beat with less force, opening up narrowed blood vessels and lowering blood pressure.

Calcium channel blockers commonly used to treat high blood pressure include:

Diltiazem (Cardizem CD®, Cardizem SR®, Dilacor XR®, Tiazac®)

Verapamil (Calan SR®, Covera HS®, Isoptin SR®, Verelan®)

Possible side effects of calcium channel blockers include:

The body releases hormones called catecholamines in response to stress. When these hormones bind to parts of cells called alpha-receptors, blood vessels narrow, causing the heart to beat faster and more forcefully. This leads to an increase in blood pressure.

Alpha blockers prevent catecholamines from binding to alpha-receptors so that blood can flow more freely, which also helps the heart beat more normally. This helps control blood pressure.

Alpha blockers commonly used to treat high blood pressure include:

Possible side effects of alpha blockers include:

A drop in blood pressure when you stand up

Consult your doctor about the potential risks and benefits of taking an alpha blocker. These medications have been known to interact with other medications like beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and medications for erectile dysfunction, increasing or decreasing their effects. Make sure your doctor is aware of any other medications you take.

When combined, alpha blockers and beta blockers prevent catecholamine hormones from binding to both alpha and beta receptors. These medications decrease the constriction of blood vessels and make the heart work less forcefully.

Alpha-beta blockers commonly used to treat high blood pressure include:

Common Types of Blood Pressure Medications 

With effective treatment, including both heart-healthy lifestyle habits and prescription blood pressure medications, you can control your blood pressure and live an active life. Read on to learn more about the most common classes of blood pressure medications and their side effects.

Preparing a diabetes emergency kit ensures that you can manage your blood sugar and stay on top of your medications under any circumstances. Here’s a checklist of the items that every diabetes emergency kit should include.

How to Prepare a Diabetes Emergency Kit

Diabetes requires daily management of blood sugar levels, and any type of unforeseen emergency can pose serious challenges for people living with the condition. Preparing a diabetes emergency kit ensures that you can manage your blood sugar and stay on top of your medications under any circumstances.

Here’s a checklist of the items that every diabetes emergency kit should include. Pack them in a waterproof, insulated bag, and keep it in your house near an accessible exit. Be sure to go through your kit every few months to make sure the medication and food hasn’t expired.

In the event of an emergency, it’s critical that first responders and medical personnel are aware of your diabetes diagnosis and other important information about your health, including:

Details about medication dosage, timing, and frequency

There are a variety of apps that make it easy to store and share your medical history during an emergency, including GenieMD, MTBC PHR, and CareZone. Wearing a diabetes medical ID bracelet can also ensure that you receive the treatment you need in an emergency situation.

Set aside a week’s worth of your diabetes medication. If you have type 1 diabetes, this will include insulin. If you take insulin as an injection, be sure to pack backup syringes. If you use an insulin pump, pack extra reservoirs, infusion sets, and batteries, and include vials of insulin and syringes in case the pump stops working.

If you have type 2 diabetes, your diabetes emergency kit may include oral or injectable medication that helps your body use insulin more effectively. Some people with type 2 diabetes also take insulin.

If you take medication that requires refrigeration like insulin, exenatide, or pramlintide, include a cold pack and insulated bag in your diabetes emergency kit. Ice packs will generally stay frozen for 24-36 hours in an insulated bag, so rotate the ice packs in your kit and make sure there’s always a backup in the freezer.

Monitoring blood sugar levels is an important component of diabetes management. If you take insulin to control your blood sugar, your blood glucose levels can drop too low if you take more insulin than needed or if you eat less or exercise more than usual. Your body needs enough blood sugar to properly function, and low blood sugar can lead to seizures or loss of consciousness if left unaddressed.

Pack a blood glucose meter or a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) in your diabetes emergency kit to measure your blood sugar levels. Include the following supplies as well:

It’s important to have extra sources of glucose on hand if you experience drops in blood sugar levels, also called hypoglycemia. There are a variety of options to restore your blood glucose levels:

Glucose tablets, available over the counter (Lift Glucose Chews, TRUEplus® Glucose Tablets, ReliOn™ Glucose Tablets)

Glucose gel, available over the counter (Dex4® Glucose Gel, Glutose™ 15/Glutose™ 45, Insta-Glucose®)

Snacks like dried fruits, trail mix, honey, or granola bars, which contain carbohydrates that the body can convert into glucose

You should also carry glucagon in case of severe hypoglycemia. Learn more about the purpose of glucagon in diabetes treatment.

Hydration is critical for people with diabetes, since dehydration can cause blood sugar levels to spike. Store a three-day supply of at least one gallon per person a day at home — the CDC’s recommendation for emergency preparation — and include a couple 16 oz bottles of water in your diabetes emergency kit.

A diabetes pharmacy partner you can rely on

Our dedicated diabetes team is here to support you at every step of the way. We offer free same-day delivery of medications and supplies right to your doorstep, and we handle everything behind the scenes, too, from investigating cost-saving opportunities to submitting prior authorizations with your doctor and more.

Get started or learn more about Alto by reaching out at any time via text or phone at 1-800-874-5881, or in-app messaging.

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.

All third party trademarks (including logos and icons) referenced by Alto Pharmacy remain the property of their respective owners. Unless specifically identified as such, Alto’s use of third party trademarks does not indicate any relationship, sponsorship or endorsement between Alto and the owners of these trademarks.

In the event of a hypoglycemia emergency, a hormone called glucagon can help people with diabetes restore their blood sugar to a healthy range. Here’s what to know about hypoglycemia and the purpose of glucagon in diabetes treatment.

The Purpose of Glucagon in Diabetes Treatment

For people with diabetes, monitoring blood sugar levels is a balancing act. In general, diabetes causes higher levels of blood sugar because the body lacks insulin. Without the right treatment, high blood sugar can lead to serious health complications in the long term, including cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and vision loss.

At the same time, people with diabetes who take insulin as part of their treatment face an increased risk for low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia. This is a serious health concern in its own right, as severe hypoglycemia episodes can lead to seizures or the loss of consciousness.

The role of insulin in diabetes treatment

Insulin can help manage both of the two main types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2 diabetes. People with type 1 diabetes, which often begins during childhood or adolescence, cannot produce any insulin at all, so they need insulin injections every day to control their levels of blood glucose.

Type 2 diabetes, which develops gradually due to a mixture of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors, involves two key problems with insulin production: cells in the body become resistant to insulin, and the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to regulate levels of blood glucose. It may be possible to manage early-stage type 2 diabetes with oral medication and healthy lifestyle habits, but many people with more advanced type 2 diabetes take insulin injections to manage their blood sugar.

Insulin must be injected into the fatty tissue under your skin to reach the bloodstream. It may be administered with a syringe, pen, or pump. Read our previous blog for an overview of insulin in diabetes treatment.

Blood sugar targets and insulin reactions

Blood sugar naturally fluctuates throughout the day depending on calorie intake, physical activity, and other factors including stress and sleep. The goal of insulin therapy is to keep your insulin levels as steady as possible to avoid rapid changes in your blood glucose levels. However, blood sugar can fall outside of the healthy range, even with the right dosage of insulin.

An insulin reaction — also referred to as hypoglycemia — is when your blood glucose levels drop below a healthy range after taking insulin. The main causes of hypoglycemia are not eating enough or exercising too much. The timing of your insulin dose can also cause blood sugar to drop.

For many people with diabetes, hypoglycemia occurs when their blood sugar is less than 70 mg/dL. However, diabetes treatment plans are individualized, and you may have a different blood sugar target range. Your healthcare provider can help you develop your own targets and determine what too low means for you.

Individual reactions to low blood sugar vary, so it’s important to take note of your symptoms as they occur and learn your own signs of hypoglycemia. Below are common signs to watch for.

Coordination problems, clumsiness, and confusion

The only way to confirm that you are experiencing hypoglycemia is to check your blood sugar with a blood glucose meter or a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). However, if you are experiencing signs of low blood sugar and unable to check blood sugar levels, treat symptoms with high-sugar foods or drinks.

The 15-15 rule for treating mild hypoglycemia

Generally speaking, mild hypoglycemia occurs when your blood sugar is between 55-69 mg/dL. It can often be treated by following the 15-15 rule: eat fifteen grams of carbohydrates to restore blood sugar levels to a healthy range and check your levels again after fifteen minutes. If your blood sugar is still below 70 mg/dL or your own personal target, eat fifteen more grams of carbohydrates. Repeat these steps until your blood sugar is back to normal, then eat a meal or snack to maintain it.

Consuming the following items may help raise your blood sugar:

4 ounces (½ cup) of juice or regular soda (not diet)

Young children with diabetes typically need less than 15 grams of carbohydrates to raise low blood sugar. If your child has diabetes, work with your healthcare provider to develop an individualized treatment plan.

Severe hypoglycemia and the purpose of glucagon

Severely low blood sugar — 55 mg/dL or less for many people with diabetes — cannot be treated with the 15-15 rule. This is where glucagon comes into play. The purpose of glucagon is to restore blood sugar during these episodes of severe hypoglycemia.

Ideally, working with your doctor to monitor blood sugar levels can help you avoid severe hypoglycemia. However, it’s important to be prepared in the event of an emergency. Glucagon is available by prescription and can be administered as a nasal spray or injection. There are several FDA-approved medication options for glucagon, including GlucaGen®, Eli Lilly’s Glucagon Emergency Kit for Low Blood Sugar, Gvoke®, ZEGALOGUE®, and a generic option approved in December 2020.

 If you have a glucagon prescription, check the expiration date and make sure there’s at least a year of remaining shelf life. Friends, family, co-workers, and anyone else you spend a lot of time with should know where to find your glucagon and how to administer it. Make sure they also know to contact a doctor immediately after emergency glucagon administration.

Blood sugar monitoring and preventing hypoglycemia

Regular monitoring of blood sugar can help you stay within your target range and understand how factors like food, physical activity, medications, and stress affect your blood sugar levels. Depending on your insulin dosage, you may need to check and record your blood sugar multiple times a day, including before and after meals and at bedtime. Your doctor will let you know when to check your blood sugar. It's important to follow the schedule your doctor has recommended and to keep a daily record of your blood sugar levels.

If you find that your blood sugar often falls below your normal range, share your blood sugar numbers with your healthcare provider, along with any relevant information on physical activity and diet. They can help you identify patterns and recommend adjustments to your treatment to keep your blood sugar in balance.

We’re here to support your diabetes care plan

We understand how overwhelming diabetes treatment may feel at first. While health risks like hypoglycemia can be serious, a strong care team can help you stay on top of blood sugar monitoring and confidently manage your diabetes.

Alto is more than just a pharmacy — we’re a partner in your diabetes care. We have a dedicated diabetes support team to ensure that you have everything you need to follow through on your individualized treatment plan. Learn more here or reach out at any time via text or phone at 1-800-874-5881 or in our app.

Protect your brain health in the long term by prioritizing a heart-healthy lifestyle today. Here are five actions that can help you prevent cognitive decline and cardiovascular disease.

The Link Between Heart and Brain Health | Alto Pharmacy

When the brain doesn’t function as it should, it can lead to challenges with memory, movement, thoughts, and speech. Many people around the world know firsthand how devastating these brain health problems can be: dementia — a general term for an aging-related decline in cognitive abilities — currently affects 50 million people worldwide. 

As heartbreaking as it is to watch an aging loved one lose their ability to remember, communicate, and process information, there is some good news. Researchers are learning more and more about dementia, and prioritizing heart health may lower a person’s risk of cognitive decline.

How the heart affects brain functionality

Dementia is a progressive, aging-related deterioration of cognitive function caused by a group of diseases. The two most common types are Alzheimer’s disease, which accounts for 60-80% of all dementia cases, and vascular dementia, which accounts for about 10% of all dementia cases and is linked to strokes and other problems with blood flow to the brain.

The link between heart health and vascular dementia is well-established. Researchers have long known that damage to the arteries — blood vessels that transport oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body — can lead to strokes and the subsequent cognitive decline in vascular dementia.

And now, there’s increasing evidence that key risk factors for cardiovascular disease and strokes, including obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, can lead to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Studies have also found that a high percentage of people with Alzheimer’s disease also have cardiovascular disease.

1. Get moving, even for a short amount of time.

Not only will a physically active lifestyle lower your risk for heart disease, it can also benefit the brain. Research has found that people who are more physically active face a lower risk for Alzheimer’s disease.

Exercising for 30 to 60 minutes several days a week may increase the size of your hippocampus, the part of the brain linked to memory formation. If you’re in the beginning stages of planning a fitness routine, start by dividing your workout into smaller pieces. Two fifteen-minute walks in a day, or even a few bursts of jumping jacks, can help you reach your weekly target.

2. Stay on top of blood pressure screening — and limit your sodium intake.

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a leading risk factor for heart disease and can lead to a heart attack or stroke. It also may contribute to a person’s risk of cognitive decline — research has found that high blood pressure can negatively impact parts of the brain responsible for thinking and memory.

High blood pressure can be treated, but early detection is important. Many people don’t experience noticeable symptoms until the condition has progressed significantly. It’s important to get regular blood pressure tests, especially if you have a known heart condition or a family history of heart disease. Consult with your doctor about recommended testing frequency.

Eating less salt is a simple way to take care of both your heart and your brain, as high sodium intake can increase blood pressure. The American Heart Association suggests capping your sodium intake at 1,500 mg/day. Make it a habit to check nutrition labels while grocery shopping and opt for low-sodium options when possible.

Learn more about managing blood pressure.

3. Adopt healthy lifestyle habits to prevent or control diabetes.

If you are one of the millions of Americans living with type 2 diabetes, a disease in which the body struggles to convert sugar, or glucose, into energy, you may also face a greater risk for several forms of dementia. The high glucose levels in people with diabetes damage blood vessels throughout the body, which can increase a person’s risk of vascular dementia. There is also evidence that adults with type 2 diabetes — the most common form of diabetes — have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease later in life.

If you have diabetes, it’s important to stay on top of your treatment plan and follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for monitoring blood glucose.

And if you don’t have diabetes, it’s still important to discuss your diabetes risk with your doctor. An estimated 88 million adults in the U.S. have prediabetes, a condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal but still below the range for a diabetes diagnosis. Fortunately, prediabetes is reversible, and simple lifestyle changes can prevent it from progressing into type 2 diabetes.

Learn more about the preventive measures you can take to prevent prediabetes.

Sleep deprivation affects you both mentally and physically. It is linked to health issues that can increase your risk for heart disease, including high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, as well as dementia.

If you’ve struggled to get enough rest, you’re not alone. More than 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. say they get less than the recommended seven hours of sleep per night. There are steps you can take to improve your sleep hygiene. Start by switching to decaf in the afternoons and evenings, avoiding late-night meals, and trying to wake up and wind down at consistent times.

Learn how to manage stress-related sleeping issues.

Having a strong social network and participating in activities with others can improve many areas of your health. Social isolation can increase an older person’s risk of dementia by about 50%, and loneliness has been linked to poor cardiovascular health.

Small acts of connection — from volunteering or joining a book club to catching up with friends virtually or in person — will lead to a more fulfilling life today and can help strengthen your cardiovascular and cognitive functioning for years to come.

To give your brain an extra boost, look for group activities that keep your mind moving, too. Challenging the mind with stimulating logic games, or by learning a new language or taking up a new hobby, can strengthen your brain in both the short and long term.

We’re here to help you prioritize heart health and cognitive health

At Alto, we’re committed to making it as simple as possible to stay on top of your medications for blood pressure, diabetes, or other conditions. We offer same-day delivery and medication management tools like reminders and auto refills  in our app. And our team of pharmacists are always here to answer your questions by phone, text, or chat, and will even remind you when your medications are due for a refill.

Reach out any time via text or phone at 1-800-874-5881 or in our app.

It’s official: Alto Pharmacy is a great place to work! We’re honored to join the community of Great Place to Work-Certified™ companies.

Alto Pharmacy Named Great Place to Work®

It’s official: Alto Pharmacy is a great place to work! We’re honored to join the community of Great Place to Work-Certified™ companies based on team member feedback and a rigorous assessment of our company’s culture and benefits. This important recognition is a testament to the dedication of the entire Alto team and the vision of our founders to create a healthcare company truly anchored on the needs and experiences of the customer.

80% of our team says that Alto is a great place of work, compared to just 59% of employees at  other companies that participated in this year’s assessment. Here are other key takeaways from our team’s’ responses:

93% of our team members say that you are made to feel welcome when you join Alto.

88% say that people care about each other here.

86% say that they are able to take time off from work when needed.

Every company has its own unique culture, but there are two things that all great workplaces share: trust in company leadership and a strong sense of pride in the work. For many Alto team members, being part of a mission-driven company is one of the best parts of working here. 

Our mission — to improve the quality of life for everyone who needs medicine — guides us in every business decision, every day. From fostering an inclusive culture that invests in talent from the same communities as our patients, to building a pharmacy model that meets individuals where they are in their health journey, everything we do at Alto is anchored on delivering meaningful change. 

When asked what makes Alto a great place to work, our team members emphasized our guiding company values — including our commitment to putting patients first and leading with empathy — and getting to spend each workday with colleagues who are also inspired and motivated by those values.

“Our bold, patient-centered mission creates a powerful level of empathy across the entire team,” shared Rob Anderson, Alto’s Head of Talent . “The people who work here are one of the best parts of coming into work, and one of the top reasons our workplace is so rewarding.”

And taking care of our team members is just as important as ensuring we leave no patient behind. In response to the past year’s unprecedented challenges, we introduced Alto Recharge Week, which includes expanded time off for all team members. This reset period allows team members to unplug and recharge, and it’s also a small show of  appreciation for how they supported our patients and healthcare providers throughout these challenging times.  

It’s an exciting moment to be part of Alto’s mission. Since our founding in 2015, we’ve been focused on delivering a totally new model of pharmacy care. Our community-based, courier-first pharmacy model simplifies the entire prescription process and is tailored to each patient’s unique needs, leading to better  outcomes, healthier lives, and happier customers. And with every year, Alto’s impact continues to grow:

More than 36 million individuals now live within Alto’s free same-day courier service zones. 

In the past twelve months, we opened new locations in New York City, Houston, Dallas, and San Jose and expanded our coverage areas in Seattle, Las Vegas, and Denver. 

We've expanded our specialized resources for patients living with diabetes and managing heart and lung conditions .

We’ve accomplished so much over the past six years, and we’re still just getting started.

“I don’t know a single person who hasn’t needed something from a pharmacy at some point, and there’s still so many people across the country who have yet to experience our unique community pharmacy experience,” Alto’s Recruiting Manager Lauren Binet said. “That potential for impact is incredibly motivating.”

As our geographic footprint has grown, so has our team. In the past two years alone, we’ve quadruped our team to more than 1,000 Altoids!

View open roles in design, engineering, IT, sales, patient care, and more.

About Great Place to Work Certification™

Great Place to Work® Certification™ is the most definitive “employer-of-choice” recognition that companies aspire to achieve. It is the only recognition based entirely on what employees report about their workplace experience – specifically, how consistently they experience a high-trust workplace. Great Place to Work Certification is recognized worldwide by employees and employers alike and is the global benchmark for identifying and recognizing outstanding employee experience. Every year, more than 10,000 companies across 60 countries apply to get Great Place to Work-Certified.

June marks Men’s Health Awareness Month, an important reminder to take charge of your health and wellness. Here’s more information on three of the top men’s health issues to help you get started.

Preventative Steps to Take for Men's Health Month

June marks Men’s Health Awareness Month, an important reminder to take charge of your health and wellness. Men are less likely to go to the doctor than women, missing or delaying critical screenings and tests, and they also have a lower life expectancy. In honor of Men’s Health Month, commit to taking a proactive and preventive approach to your well-being. Here’s more information on three of the top men’s health issues to help you get started.

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer for men in the U.S., affecting about 1 in 8 men, and the second most fatal. It occurs when cancerous cells in the prostate gland, a male organ that helps produce semen, grow uncontrollably. Early-stage prostate cancer often doesn’t cause visible signs, but common symptoms of more advanced cases include trouble urinating, blood in your urine and/or semen, bone pain, weight loss, and erectile dysfunction.

Despite the seriousness and the prevalence of this disease, it has a high survival rate when detected at an early stage. More than 3.1 million men in the U.S. who have had prostate cancer are alive today. As with any health issue, the best way to prevent prostate cancer is to know your risk and be vigilant about screening.

Researchers have identified several key risk factors for prostate cancer:

Age: Your chances for getting prostate cancer increase significantly as you age, with roughly 6 in 10 instances of this cancer occurring in men over 65.

Race/ethnicity: For reasons not yet clear, Black men are about 1.6 times more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer than men from other racial and ethnic backgrounds. When diagnosed, they are also more likely to face more aggressive forms.

Family history: While most instances of prostate cancer occur in men without a family history of the disease, having an immediate relative who has had prostate cancer more than doubles your risk of developing it. The risk is higher if your relatives had it at a younger age.

The American Urological Association recommends prostate cancer screening every two years for men ages 55 to 69. However, if you are at higher risk, your doctor may recommend earlier or more frequent screenings. Consult with your doctor about your screening needs.

Heart disease, the leading cause of adult death in the United States, is a top health issue for men: 25% of all adult male fatalities are from heart disease. In general, men face a greater risk for heart disease than women, in part explained by protective effects of sex hormones, and they are also twice as likely to have a heart attack.

The sooner you detect heart disease, the easier it is to treat. Here are some common symptoms to recognize:

If you experience any of these symptoms, consult with your doctor right away to determine the best treatment plan. 

Learn more about heart health warning signs.

And since men are more likely to skip out on annual physicals than women, they are also less likely to have regular heart health-related screenings. If it’s been a while since your last physical exam, try to schedule one soon — regular doctor’s visits are essential to prioritizing heart health.

Here are some guidelines for staying on top of heart health screenings:

If your blood pressure is normal, below 120/80 mm Hg, get screened at least once per year. If you have high blood pressure, a reading consistently above 130/80 mm Hg, consult with your doctor about recommended screening frequency.

Check your cholesterol every 4-6 years if your risk is normal (under 200 mg/dL). Ask your doctor about recommended screening frequency if you have a higher risk for heart disease and stroke.

Get a blood glucose test for diabetes at least every three years, with more frequent screening if you have prediabetes.

Discuss healthy lifestyle habits including smoking, exercise, and diet at each regular visit.

Mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, and PTSD affect all people, but men are less likely to seek support and treatment than women, in part because of the misconception that asking for help is a sign of weakness. Left unaddressed, a mental health disorder can greatly impact a person’s physical health. 

Here are some common warning signs of the three most prevalent mental health issues:

Change in mood, weight, or work performance

Withdrawing from activities you once enjoyed

Physical symptoms, including headaches or stomach issues

Nervousness, restlessness, or feeling tense

Intrusive memories about the traumatic event

Avoiding people, places, or activities that remind you of the traumatic event

If you have experienced any of the symptoms above or are concerned about your mental health, talk to your doctor and ask for support. Your emotional well-being matters, and mental health disorders are treatable.

Read ‘How Mental Health Affects Heart Health’ to learn more about the heart-head connection.

To live your healthiest life, take an active role in your well-being year round, not just during Men’s Health Month. That means learning more about your risk for men’s top health issues, staying up to date with recommended screenings, and prioritizing healthy lifestyle choices. Most men’s health issues are preventable or treatable, but staying proactive is key.

At Alto, a pharmacist is your partner in health. Our team of patient care pharmacists is available to chat whenever questions come up - reach out via text or phone at 1-800-874-5881 or in our app.

If you want a glimpse into how your heart is functioning, all you need is two fingers and fifteen seconds. Read on to learn more about what your resting heart rate can tell you about your health.

What Your Heart Rate Can Tell You About Your Health

If you want a glimpse into how your heart is functioning, all you need is two fingers and fifteen seconds. You can find your resting heart rate — the number of times your heart beats per minute when you’re at rest — by simply taking your pulse. While it’s only a small part of your overall cardiovascular health, paying regular attention to this number can help you identify any changes in heart function and potentially detect early signs of heart disease. Read on to learn more about what your resting heart rate can tell you about your health.

Our heart rate changes throughout the day as we engage in activities that require various levels of oxygen. Your resting heart rate is your baseline before you tackle your daily workout or head into a stressful work meeting. Caffeine can also make the heart beat faster, so for the most accurate read of your resting heart rate, take your pulse right when you wake up, before your morning cup of coffee.

You can measure your resting heart rate by taking your pulse either on your neck or at your wrist. If checking on your neck, place your index and third fingers on your neck to the side of your windpipe. And if you’re checking at your wrist, place those same fingers over your radial artery, located between the bone and tendon on the thumb side of your wrist. Apply enough pressure to feel every beat, but don’t push too hard since too much force can interfere with blood flow.

Once you feel your pulse, count the number of beats in fifteen seconds, and multiply it by four to calculate the number of beats per minute.

Resting heart rate will vary from one person to another, but the healthy range for an adult typically falls between 60 to 100 beats per minute. In general, the lower your heart rate, the easier it is for your heart to pump blood. On the other hand, a higher heart rate means your heart is working harder, and may signal a greater risk for heart attack.

Pay attention to the rhythm of your heart in addition to the number of beats. An irregular pattern may be symptomatic of heart conditions that can cause heart attacks and strokes. An uneven heartbeat, also called an arrhythmia, can be treated, but too often people only discover it after a medical emergency. Regularly monitoring your heart rate and rhythm is one way to stay on top of any potential issues and be proactive about your health.

If you have any concerns about your resting heart rate, talk to your doctor, who can evaluate you for any heart-related health issues and determine what your normal resting heart rate should be. The most important thing is to understand your baseline and monitor for any unusual changes.

Factors That Influence Resting Heart Rate

Resting heart rate doesn’t just vary from one person to another, it can change for each of us from one day to the next. The following factors play a role in overall heart health and can influence your resting heart rate.

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