Your partner in navigating the ins and outs of prescriptions — at no extra cost.

Alto Pharmacy Technician

Alto Pharmacist

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.

Join us in delivering our industry-leading pharmacy care to millions of people across the country. As a member of the team, you’ll play an integral role in improving our customers’ quality of life and redefining what’s possible in pharmacy. 

Be Part of a Great Place to Work — Join Our Team

Hear first-hand from members of the Alto technology teams.

Read the latest Alto blog posts covering healthcare, family health, managing diseases, and other Alto highlights.

Blog | Alto Pharmacy

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 phone at 1-800-874-5881 or in our app.

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.

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.

Having cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, or diabetes

Body position (standing up or lying down, for example)

If you have a diagnosed heart condition, your medications and the nature of your diagnosis can potentially impact your resting heart rate, too. This is why it’s important to speak with a doctor about what your target heart rate should be.

There are two other important numbers related to your heart health: maximum heart rate and target heart rate.

Your maximum heart rate is generally the highest pulse you can get. It’s the rate your heart beats at when it’s working hardest to meet your oxygen needs. It plays a big role in determining your aerobic capacity, which is how much oxygen your body can consume.

For a rough sense of what a healthy maximum heart rate is for you, subtract your age from 220. For example, a 40-year-old has a maximum heart rate of 180 and a 50-year-old has a maximum heart rate of 170, as shown in the chart below. However, it’s important to remember that this is just a guide. Your individual maximum heart rate may be higher or lower. Your doctor can help you determine what your specific range should be.

It’s not possible to push your heart to its full aerobic capacity for an entire workout session — maximum heart rate can only be sustained for a short period of time. This is where target heart rate enters the picture. It’s the number to aim for while exercising, which varies depending on the intensity of your physical activity. For moderately intense physical activities, target heart rate is typically 50-75% of your maximum heart rate. During more vigorous exercise, it’s about 70-85% of the maximum. The chart below shows average target heart rate zones by age.

These numbers offer general guidelines, but each person’s situation is different. If you have a heart condition or take medication, talk to your doctor about recommended types of exercise and what your target heart rate should be. Keep in mind that many people begin with a lower target heart rate and gradually work their way up.

An active lifestyle is key to both lowering your resting heart rate and increasing your target heart rate zones. So if you’re concerned about your heart rate, the best thing you can do is exercise more frequently. Aim for about 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week, which can involve:

The following lifestyle changes can also help you lower your resting heart rate and increase your target heart rate zones:

Bring more mindfulness into your day with meditation and breathing exercises, as anxiety and stress can elevate heart rate. 

Avoid stimulants like caffeine and nicotine.

Drink plenty of water since dehydration can cause blood to thicken, which makes your heart work harder.

It may take several months before these lifestyle changes affect your heart rate, so be patient and remember that each small step will add up to better long-term heart health.

While resting heart rate can alert you to any changes in your heart’s functioning, there are various factors involved in your risk for heart disease, including your family history as well as these lesser-known risks. With heart health, it’s important to talk with your doctor about the bigger picture more so than focusing on any single number, or getting caught up on what “normal” means for other people.

The Link Between Blood Pressure and Heart Disease

Paying attention to your blood pressure is another important aspect of prioritizing heart health. Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against your blood vessels. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can damage many important organs including the heart. In making the arteries less elastic and decreasing the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart, it can lead to cardiovascular disease and a greater risk for heart attack and stroke.

A blood pressure reading measures two forces: systolic pressure and diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure is the force that occurs as blood flows out of the heart and into the arteries. Diastolic pressure is the force created when the heart fills with blood as it rests between beats. A healthy blood pressure for most adults is typically 120 mm Hg systolic and 80 mm Hg diastolic, read aloud as “120 over 80.” Both readings are important, but high blood pressure typically refers to systolic pressure.

High blood pressure is treatable, but early detection is critical. There are not usually any warning signs or symptoms, so the only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to get your blood pressure tested.

Read our previous blog to learn more about managing blood pressure with healthy lifestyle habits.

Exceptional Pharmacy Care to Strengthen Your Heart

If you are prescribed medications for your heart, we’re here to make it as simple as possible to follow the treatment your doctor recommends. Our team of patient care pharmacists is available to walk you through dosage instructions and answer your questions. Feel free to reach out any time via phone at 1-800-874-5881 or in-app messaging.

It’s okay, and very understandable, to feel overwhelmed after a diabetes diagnosis, or to wonder, what now? This guide from Alto Pharmacy offers a starting point as you build a strong foundation of information.

New diabetes diagnosis? Here’s what to know.

A diabetes diagnosis marks the beginning of a new health journey that involves some significant changes to your routine. Insulin and blood sugar tests become a part of your day-to-day life, not to mention all of the new insurance terminology related to diabetes medications. 

It’s okay, and very understandable, to feel overwhelmed after a diagnosis, or to wonder, what now? When dealing with any challenge, it’s important to take everything one step at a time. Diabetes is no different. The journey will likely feel much more manageable once you’re familiar with the key terms and have a good grasp of your diabetes pharmacy needs. The guide below offers a starting point as you build a strong foundation of information.

Diabetes Pharmacy 101: Key Insurance Terms

Diabetes treatment involves coordination with your doctor’s office, your insurance provider, and your pharmacy. You’ll probably start to hear the following terms as you work closely with each of them.

A flat amount set by your insurance plan that you are required to pay for healthcare services, procedures and treatments, including prescriptions. These amounts can vary based on the type of service and whether your doctor is considered in-network with your insurance plan. For example, you may have a copay of $30 for your doctor visit, $20 for one kind of prescription, and $50 for another type of prescription.

Many manufacturers of diabetes medications and supplies make their treatments more affordable through coupons, rebates, savings cards, trial offers, and free samples. Some of these savings options require you to register with the manufacturer (often on a website) or receive the coupons or samples directly from your doctor. You will generally need to do your own research to understand what savings options are available for the medications or supplies you’ve been prescribed. Alto automatically conducts thorough price investigations to identify potential savings.

Sometimes an insurance plan decides that they won’t cover the cost of a treatment, procedure, or medication. This is called a denial. These are some of the common reasons for it:

Your insurance plan doesn’t believe the requested treatment is medically necessary

The requested treatment is considered experimental

There are typos or errors on the insurance claim

The requesting doctor is out of network for your plan

A referral or prior authorization is required

At Alto, we’ll look into the reasons for a denial and work with your doctor to either process an appeal or find covered alternatives.

If you are prescribed an insulin pump or continuous glucose monitor (CGM), or need supplies like test strips, they will likely be covered under the Durable Medical equipment (DME) section of your policy. There may be restrictions on the brands or suppliers that are available.

Formulary, also called a Drug List or Formulary List

A list of prescription medications that your insurance plan will cover, including both brand name and generic options. They will be grouped by tier. Tier 1 usually includes generic medications and will have the lowest out-of-pocket costs. As you move up the formulary’s tiers, the costs will increase. If your prescription is not on the formulary at all, that means it is not covered by your insurance plan. 

Formularies can change as part of your annual insurance renewal. For example, your previous type of insulin may be in a different tier on the plan’s updated formulary, meaning you’ll pay more out-of-pocket to stay on that particular brand. Read our previous post on insurance changes to look out for when renewing your plan.

Insurance companies generally consider a treatment plan to be medically necessary when it follows accepted clinical guidelines and practice. To determine this, your insurer is likely considering whether the proposed treatment is:

Clinically appropriate in terms of type and frequency

Generally considered effective given the diagnosis

Not more costly than other options that are likely to produce the same result

Not selected just for convenience to you or your doctor

Patient Assistance Programs, also called PAPs or Diabetes Care Programs, are financial assistance programs created and managed by the manufacturers of diabetes medications and supplies. These programs are intended for people without insurance or when copays are prohibitively expensive. Keep in mind that these types of discount programs may result in your medication costs not counting toward your insurance plan’s deductible. Alto will search for these potential sources of financial assistance as part of our price investigation and ensure you’re getting the lowest possible price.

Not all diabetes medications and procedures will be covered by the same sections of your insurance plan — most plans have separate medical and pharmacy benefits. Medical benefits are usually used to pay for the professional services your doctor’s office provides, a hospital stay, or medically-necessary labs and tests. Pharmacy benefits are used to pay for most prescription diabetes medications, including self-administered oral and injectable medications. 

Many commonly prescribed devices, like Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs), will fall under different categories. For example, FreeStyle Libre® and Dexcom® may be billed as either pharmacy or medical benefits; and Medtronic Guardian™ is only billed as DME.

Prior Authorizations, also called a Pre-Authorization

Not all healthcare services and prescriptions are considered equal by your insurance plan. If the requested devices or procedures are more expensive, experimental, or new to market, your insurance plan may require you to complete a prior authorization before they will agree to cover the treatment. These forms provide the insurance plan with information from your doctor about why the proposed treatment option or medication is appropriate or necessary. For example, you and your doctor may need to complete a prior authorization to explain why your insulin pump or CGM is medically necessary and provide supporting documentation from your medical records.

After reviewing the documentation, your insurance company will approve or deny the request.  If approved, you will be able to receive the requested treatment (although there may be specific instructions in the approval about how you obtain the care, e.g. by using a specific physician, pharmacy or other supplier). If your prior authorization is denied, you will work with your doctor to determine if you should appeal the decision or pursue a different course of treatment.

Alto’s dedicated support team will coordinate closely with your doctor’s office on filing prior authorizations to help you get the diabetes medications and supplies you need.

Common Issues With Insurance Coverage of Diabetes Medications

Your insurance plan may limit the number of test strips you can purchase in a specific time period, though it may be possible for you to apply for an exception.

If you haven’t previously used an insulin pump or CGM, your plan will likely require a prior authorization. They may also require you to start on an older version of the device with fewer features.

Patch pumps may be covered under pharmacy benefits or DME benefits.

Your plan may designate where you can purchase pump or CGM supplies; some will allow you to purchase directly from the manufacturer. 

Check your plan’s DME policy for more details.

What to Look For in a Diabetes Pharmacy Partner

Having a reliable pharmacy partner is especially important with a condition like diabetes, which involves a learning curve with medications and supplies and frequent communication with insurance. We recommend looking for a pharmacy that has significant expertise in diabetes care. Here are some questions to ask yourself as you explore your diabetes pharmacy options.

Does the pharmacy offer free delivery of your medications and on-demand pharmacist guidance for injections?

Does it understand the temperature-controlled needs of insulin? Does it store and package the medications correctly?

Can it help you navigate your insurance benefits, assist with prior authorizations when needed, and connect you with DME suppliers if appropriate?

As you navigate life with diabetes, it’s important to feel surrounded by support. If a pharmacy meets the criteria above, you’re more likely to feel like there’s always someone in your corner.

We’re here to provide exceptional diabetes care

At Alto, we understand how stressful it can be to get started with diabetes medications and coordinate with insurance. That’s why we have a dedicated team for support with diabetes. 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 and more.

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

New Diabetes Diagnosis? Here’s What to Know

The team at Alto Pharmacy answers some of the most common questions about prediabetes and explain what you can do to take preventative measures.

Common Prediabetes Questions Answered

Prediabetes, a serious but common health condition that often precedes a type 2 diabetes diagnosis, affects an estimated 88 million adults in the U.S., or 1 in 3 people. But the majority of the time, they have no idea: 84% of people with prediabetes are unaware of their condition, in large part because they aren’t experiencing any noticeable prediabetes symptoms.

Below, we answer some of the most common questions about the condition and explain what you can do to take preventative measures for prediabetes.

First, let’s start with a quick review of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Both involve complications with the body’s relationship to insulin, a hormone that transforms a simple sugar called glucose into energy. 

In contrast to type 1, which often begins during childhood or adolescence, type 2 develops gradually due to a mixture of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Over time, the body becomes unable to convert glucose into fuel, leading to the higher blood sugar levels found in type 2 diabetes. In the long term, high blood sugar can lead to serious health issues including heart disease, vision loss, and kidney disease.

Prediabetes is a health condition that can lead to a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Without noticeable symptoms, it is defined primarily by blood sugar levels that are higher than normal but still fall below the official range for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. If left untreated, prediabetes can lead to serious complications down the road. But it doesn’t have to — prediabetes treatment, including simple lifestyle changes, can keep you from developing type 2 diabetes. 

Since there aren’t any visible prediabetes symptoms, the only way to know if you have it is to get a prediabetes test. If you’re concerned you might have prediabetes, or if you’re at risk for type 2 diabetes, talk to your healthcare provider. They can suggest the best course of action, including ordering an A1C blood test.

In people with prediabetes and diabetes, glucose accumulates and binds to hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to all of your organs and is stored in red blood cells. Higher blood sugar levels correspond with more sugar-coated hemoglobin. The A1C — the main prediabetes test — determines blood sugar levels over a two to three-month period by measuring the percentage of hemoglobin proteins attached to sugar. 

In general, results fall into one of three main levels:

An A1C level below 5.7% is considered normal

An A1C level between 5.7% and 6.4% is considered prediabetes

An A1C level of 6.5% or higher on two separate tests indicates type 2 diabetes

The blood sugar ranges are the same for both children and adults.

If prediabetes progresses into type 2 diabetes, the A1C test may also be used to monitor how you’re managing your blood sugar levels. When you’re living with diabetes, higher A1C percentages correspond to a greater risk for long-term or life-threatening complications. Anyone with a higher A1C should eat healthy foods and exercise frequently. The American Diabetes Association’s recipe list is a great starting point as you plan a prediabetes diet.

If the A1C results are inconsistent, or if you are unable to take it, your doctor may use other tests to diagnose prediabetes:

The random blood sugar test, which consists of a blood sample taken at a random time

The fasting blood sugar test, which consists of a blood sample taken after an overnight fast

The oral glucose tolerance test, which is primarily used during pregnancy

The same risk factors for type 2 diabetes also apply to prediabetes. Because prediabetes often remains undetected, with no clear prediabetes symptoms, it’s important to be proactive and get a blood test if you are at risk. Talk to your doctor about a prediabetes test if you are:

Black, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Asian American, or Pacific Islander — for reasons not yet understood, researchers have found higher rates of type 2 diabetes in these racial and ethnic groups

High blood pressure or take medication for it

Low HDL cholesterol and/or high triglycerides

Been diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

As childhood obesity becomes more prevalent, we’re seeing higher rates of both prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in younger groups. Younger or middle-aged people with prediabetes face a greater risk for more serious diabetes-related complications like chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease. These groups should be extra vigilant in discussing prediabetes treatment and diet with their doctor given the heightened risk.

Your doctor may order a prediabetes test for children and adolescents if they:

Belong to a racial or ethnic group with higher rates of type 2 diabetes

Were born to a mother with gestational diabetes

On the other hand, some research suggests that higher blood sugar levels are a common part of aging, and prediabetes is less likely to turn into a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes for seniors..

If left untreated, prediabetes can lead to serious complications like heart disease and kidney damage. In fact, long-term damage to the heart, blood vessels, and kidneys may begin even before the progression to type 2 diabetes. Despite the severity of the risk, however, prediabetes can be successfully managed and reversed, and a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes is preventable.

The most important thing to do for prediabetes is to commit to a healthier lifestyle. Take up a nutritious prediabetes diet, aim for about 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week, and, if relevant, quit smoking and work with your doctor on controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels. With these simple changes, you’ll be well on your way toward lowering your risk.

We’re here to help you navigate life with diabetes.

It’s important to take whatever steps you can to prevent prediabetes from progressing into type 2 diabetes.  A full life is possible, however, when you are living with any type of diabetes. If insulin becomes part of your treatment plan, our pharmacists will walk you through your first injections and answer any questions you have about symptoms or side effects.

The last thing you need while settling into a new routine is the stress of managing prescriptions and dealing with insurance. We’re here to help, by consolidating medications into streamlined monthly deliveries, setting up automatic refills, and offering free same-day delivery.

Learn how we can support your diabetes treatment plan by contacting us via in-app messaging or phone at 1-800-874-5881. 

With heart disease being the leading cause of death in the United States, knowing your family’s health history and the extent of your risk is key to managing your heart health.

How Your Family History Affects Your Heart Health

While you know that traits like the color of your eyes and hair, as well as maybe your love of coffee, have been passed down through your family, you might not realize the extent to which heredity can also influence aspects of your health. With heart disease being the leading cause of death in the United States, knowing your family’s health history and the extent of your risk is key to managing your heart health. Here’s how having heart disease in your family can affect your own heart’s health, what you can do, and everyday ways to keep your heart beating healthy. 

When people talk about heart disease, they’re usually referring to coronary heart disease (also referred to as coronary artery disease).This is the most common type of heart disease and leads to more than 370,000 deaths in the United States every year. 

Coronary heart disease results when plaque builds up on the walls of the arteries that lead to your heart. This buildup narrows the arteries, making it harder for blood to pass through, which can ultimately lead to a heart attack or stroke.

Common risk factors for heart disease include high LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol (the “good” kind), stress, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, physical inactivity, smoking, being post-menopausal for women and being older than 45 for men.

According to the American Heart Association, your risk of heart disease is strongly linked to your family history. That means that if someone in your family has diabetes or high LDL cholesterol, for example, then you may be more prone to these heart disease risk factors as well. Similarly, if someone in your family has had a stroke, that makes you more likely to have one. 

To understand your genetic risk of heart disease, you need to first take a look at your family’s health history. You may not know the health history of your entire extended family and that’s okay. A key first step is to start learning the health history of your first-degree relatives: first your parents, then your siblings. Did either of your parents or siblings have a heart attack or stroke, or die from one, at an early age? If they did prior to age 55 for males or age 65 for females, then you’re at an increased risk of heart disease.

Additionally, there are other genetic factors to be aware of that can increase your risk of heart disease. Statistics from the American Heart Association show that African Americans are at a greater risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke; and about one in three Hispanics will have high blood pressure.

Your family’s home lifestyle and environment can also play a role in your heart health. Living in a household of smokers, for example, can increase your risk of heart disease, while a regular diet of fast food can trigger inflammation in your body and lead to an increased risk of high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. 

Where you live can also be a factor. City and urban environments can expose you to more air pollution as well as poor water or food quality, which can all contribute to heart disease. 

What to do once you know your family’s health history

Once you have some idea of your immediate family’s health picture and any history of heart disease or risk factors, you’ll next want to assess your own risk. There are various heart attack risk calculators that can help you do this. These take into account your genetics as well as current diet and lifestyle habits to predict your chance of having a heart attack.

Sharing your personal heart disease risk and family history with your doctor is important because it can allow them to come up with a plan to help you lower your risk. Your doctor may also suggest certain medical tests to provide a more accurate diagnosis. A blood test, for example, can look for certain biomarkers in your bloodstream, like LDL cholesterol, that increase your heart disease risk. A heart scan, also known as a coronary calcium scan, can detect any calcium on the walls of your arteries.

You’ll also want to make sure you’re aware of any early heart attack warning signs to watch out for. If you experience symptoms such as chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath during daily activities, or pain or discomfort in your arms, back, neck, or jaw, you should call 911 to get proper care as soon as possible.

If you discover that you have an extensive family history of cardiovascular disease or you’ve calculated your risk to be higher than average, does that mean you will end up with cardiovascular disease yourself? Not necessarily. Here are some of the things you can do to help reduce your risk. 

Once you have the results of any blood tests, your doctor will factor these into your family history and lifestyle habits to come up with a strategy to help you manage any heart disease risk. They’ll also discuss with you any risks and benefits of taking certain cardiovascular medications, if necessary. 

Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle will also be a key part of any heart disease management plan. This includes avoiding foods that are high in saturated fat, salt, and sugar, as well as adding more healthy foods to your diet like nuts, fruits, vegetables, beans and fish. You’ll also want to make sure you’re getting enough sleep, managing stress, and staying active. For physical activity, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 30 minutes of heart-pumping exercise such as brisk walking or riding your bike at least five days a week.

If you have any other health conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes, control these by staying on top of your regimen prescribed by your doctor. You’ll also want to be aware of the other factors you might not realize can influence your risk of heart disease.

While it’s essential to be your own advocate when it comes to your health, we’re here to support you with exceptional pharmacy care every step of the way. If you are prescribed medications for your heart, our pharmacists would be happy to walk you through dosage instructions and answer your questions. We’ll look for any available savings to help you get the lowest price, and we’ll deliver your medications to your home for free. Simply tell your doctor to send your new prescription to Alto or contact our team - we’ll take care of the transfer for you.

Here’s what we know so far about the risk of COVID-19 for people with HIV, vaccine safety, and how to protect yourself from contracting COVID-19. 

What the COVID-19 Vaccine Means for Those With HIV

As of March, 2021, over 115 million people worldwide have been diagnosed with COVID-19. As the COVID-19 pandemic persists, many are wondering what the COVID-19 vaccine could mean for the 38 million people who are living with HIV: is it safe or does it pose a greater risk for these individuals? Here’s what we know so far about the risk of COVID-19 for people with HIV, vaccine safety, and how to protect yourself from contracting COVID-19. 

Are people living with HIV at a higher risk for COVID-19? 

Data is limited and experts are still learning exactly how COVID-19 affects those with HIV, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that those who have HIV (and who are also on effective HIV treatment) generally have the same risk of contracting the virus as those who don’t have HIV. 

So, who is at greater risk? The CDC has evidence that shows older adults and people with certain underlying medical conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), type 2 diabetes, and a weakened immune system are at an increased risk for more severe cases of COVID-19. And since nearly half of those living with HIV in the United States are over 50 years old, those living with HIV are encouraged to follow all CDC guidelines to reduce the risk of COVID-19 exposure.

Experts have not found any significant evidence that those living with HIV will experience more severe COVID-19 outcomes; studies performed in Spain and in the United States on a Veterans aging cohort both found no difference in susceptibility to the virus in those with HIV.

Are COVID-19 vaccines safe for people living with HIV?

Yes. According to the United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the COVID-19 vaccines currently being developed or approved by regulators are believed to be safe for most people, including those living with HIV. The COVID-19 vaccines, like other vaccines, undergo the same safety tests and are required to meet rigorous standards. 

Regulators have not yet found any evidence that people living with HIV are at a greater risk from the COVID-19 vaccine in terms of side effects than anyone else.

How does the vaccine work and what symptoms could I expect?

In a recent virtual town hall on COVID-19 and HIV hosted by Getting to Zero San Francisco, experts confirmed that the COVID-19 vaccine has been proven to help reduce the severity of illness from the virus. The vaccine could also prevent infection, reduce transmission, and lead to healthier communities. 

The COVID-19 vaccines work by helping our bodies develop immunity to the virus that causes COVID-19 without us having to actually contract the illness. The different vaccines work in slightly different ways to protect us, but all generally leave the body with a supply of cells that remember how to fight the virus in the future.

After receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, the process of building immunity can result in some people experiencing mild symptoms like a sore arm and mild fever or chills in the days following vaccination. If you have any pain or discomfort, you can talk to your doctor or pharmacist about over-the-counter medications.

How can people with HIV protect themselves from COVID-19?

As you’ve likely heard, the best way to keep from getting sick is simply to avoid exposure to the virus. Everyone, including people living with HIV, should keep taking everyday actions like wearing a mask, staying six feet away from those who don’t live with you, and avoiding crowds, to help avoid contracting and spreading COVID-19.

If you have HIV and are taking your HIV medicine, it’s important to continue doing so and follow any advice from your healthcare provider. This will help keep your immune system healthy and ready to fight off any infection. The CDC also recommends lifestyle practices like eating healthy foods, getting at least eight hours of sleep per night, and minimizing stress as much as you can.

If you develop any symptoms that indicate you might have COVID-19, the CDC recommends calling your healthcare provider and getting tested. Most people have mild illness and can recover at home. If you do develop severe symptoms, the CDC recommends you get emergency medical care immediately.

At Alto, we’re committed to ensuring you receive you medications safely and on time throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Our pharmacy locations are fully stocked and our pharmacists are on hand to answer any questions and provide ongoing access to support and advice. Reach out to our HIV specialty team through secure in-app messaging or phone at 1-800-874-5881. 

One key test—the A1C blood test—is critical to diagnosing and managing the disease. Here’s what the test measures, why it’s important, and how monitoring your glucose levels at home can help. 

What You Should Know About the A1C Test and Diabetes

An estimated 34 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes, while more than twice that—88 million—are living with prediabetes. What’s more, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) reports that another 7.3 million have diabetes, but don’t know it. One key test—the A1C blood test—is critical to diagnosing and managing the disease. Here’s what the test measures, why it’s important, and how monitoring your glucose levels at home can help. 

The A1C is a common blood test used to diagnose type 1 and type 2 diabetes as well as prediabetes. If you’re living with diabetes, the test is also used to monitor how well you’re managing your blood sugar, or glucose, levels.

The test measures what percentage of hemoglobin proteins in your blood are coated with sugar (glycated) because when glucose builds up, hemoglobin is what it binds to. Hemoglobin is what gives your blood its red color, and its job is to carry oxygen to all of your organs and tissues. 

Blog

Preventative Steps to Take for Men's Health Month

What Your Heart Rate Can Tell You About Your Health

New Diabetes Diagnosis? Here’s What to Know

Common Prediabetes Questions Answered

How Your Family History Affects Your Heart Health

What the COVID-19 Vaccine Means for Those With HIV

What You Should Know About the A1C Test and Diabetes

5 Science-Backed Ideas for Healthy Living

Cholesterol 101: The Good vs. The Bad (And What to Do About It)

Why Gut Health Is Key (and How To Improve Yours)

Using Your Continuous Glucose Monitoring Device

What Every Woman Should Know About Heart Health

Switch to a better pharmacy.