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Resting heart rate varies from one individual to another, but the healthy range for an adult is 60-100 beats per minute. In some cases, issues with the heart’s electrical signals that trigger a heartbeat can cause an arrhythmia. This means that the heart beats too quickly, too slowly, or irregularly.

Atrial Fibrillation, Explained

Atrial fibrillation, often referred to as Afib, is a rapid heart rate caused by irregularities in the heart’s upper chambers, or atria. It is the most common type of arrhythmia. Though the condition increases the risk of having a stroke, it is treatable with a combination of medications, lifestyle changes, and non-surgical and surgical procedures. Here’s what to know about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of atrial fibrillation.

The heart’s natural pacemaker, the sinus node, is located in the upper right chamber. It triggers the signal that begins each heartbeat. Normally, the signal travels from the sinus node through the two atria and into a pathway between the upper and lower chambers. As it travels, your heart will contract, transporting blood both to and from the heart.

Atrial fibrillation begins in the heart’s upper chambers. The signals in the atria are irregular, which causes the upper chambers to shake. As signals try to enter the lower chambers, a fast and irregular heart rhythm is produced.

There are different types of atrial fibrillation categorized by their duration.

Paroxysmal Afib lasts for less than a week and typically does not require treatment.

Persistent Afib is continuous, lasting longer than a week but less than a year. Treatment is required.

Permanent Afib is continuous and treatment-resistant.

Most cases of atrial fibrillation stem from issues with the structure of the heart. These structural issues may be caused by coronary artery disease, a heart attack, a congenital heart defect, or heart valve disease. However, it is possible to develop the condition without a history of heart health issues.

The following risk factors are often linked to atrial fibrillation.

Other health conditions including diabetes, chronic kidney disease, lung disease, or sleep apnea

Not all cases of atrial fibrillation have noticeable symptoms. In some cases, one or more of the following symptoms may develop.

As many as 1 in 3 people with Afib may not know that they have the condition. It’s important to understand the condition’s risk factors and discuss your individual risk with your healthcare provider.

Due to the potential for blood clots, atrial fibrillation can lead to a greater risk for stroke. The irregular heart rhythm that characterizes Afib can lead to the accumulation of blood and the formation of clots in the upper chambers. If a clot breaks off from the heart, it may travel to the brain, causing a stroke.

The risk of a stroke related to Afib increases as you age. Having other conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart failure in addition to Afib may also increase your risk for a stroke. Staying on track with treatment and following your doctor’s recommendations is the best way to manage this risk.

Many types of atrial fibrillation are treatable. Treatment often consists of a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, non-surgical procedures or surgery. Several types of medications are used to treat Afib.

These medications prevent the formation of blood clots and treat existing clots. Commonly prescribed antiplatelets and anticoagulants include:

Direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) such as apixaban (Eliquis®), dabigatran (Pradaxa®), edoxaban (Savaysa®), and rivaroxaban (Xarelto®)

Beta blockers and calcium channel blockers may be used to manage atrial fibrillation by controlling an individual’s heart rate. Commonly used to treat high blood pressure, beta blockers cause the heart to beat more slowly and less forcefully. Examples of beta blockers include:

Calcium channel blockers slow an individual’s heart rate by opening up narrowed blood vessels and increasing blood flow to the heart. They are often prescribed for individuals who have chest pain or high or low blood pressure in addition to Afib. Examples include:

Digoxin may also be prescribed to slow the flow of electrical currents from the atria to the ventricle.

Slowing down the heart rate is often the first goal of atrial fibrillation treatment. If this has been accomplished, a common next step is restoring the rhythm to normal.

Sodium channel blockers including flecainide (Tambocor®), propafenone (Rythmol®), and quinidine work on the heart’s electrical impulses, slowing its ability to conduct electricity.

Potassium channel blockers such as amiodarone (Cordarone®, Pacerone®), sotalol (Betapace®), and dofetilide slow the electrical signals responsible for atrial fibrillation.

When taking any medication for atrial fibrillation, it’s important to stay on track with follow-up appointments and inform your doctor of any side effects.

If medications aren’t effective, your doctor may recommend a non-surgical procedure or surgery. Two common non-invasive procedures are electrical cardioversion, which resets the heart rhythm with low-energy shocks, and pulmonary vein ablation, which uses heat or cold energy to block electrical irregularities.

While not all cases of atrial fibrillation are preventable, many of the major risk factors are controllable. In general, practicing a heart-healthy lifestyle can lower your risk for the condition. This includes exercising for at least 150 minutes per week, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting your alcohol intake, and refraining from smoking.

Read How to Prevent Heart Disease at Any Age for more on heart-healthy living.

At Alto, we make it as simple as possible to manage your risk for heart health issues and follow the treatment plan your doctor recommends. We will work with your doctor, your insurance (if applicable), and any third party savings programs that you may qualify for to ensure your medications are as affordable as possible. And our team of pharmacists is available to chat whenever questions come up about side effects or how to take your medication properly.

Reach out any time through in-app messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881.

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.

Cardiomyopathy refers to a variety of diseases of the heart muscle that affect the heart’s ability to carry out its pumping function. It is a progressive condition that can lead to other heart health issues including heart failure, but it can be managed through a combination of medications, lifestyle changes, surgical procedures, and other types of treatment. Here’s what to know about causes, symptoms, and treatment options for the main types of cardiomyopathy.

Cardiomyopathy, Explained

Cardiomyopathy can be either acquired or inherited. While not all cases of cardiomyopathy have known causes, the following health factors or conditions have been linked to certain forms of cardiomyopathy.

A family health history of cardiomyopathy, heart failure, or sudden cardiac arrest

Coronary artery disease or a history of a heart attack

Endocrine diseases including type 1 and type 2 diabetes and thyroid disorders

Diseases that weaken muscle tissue such as muscular dystrophy 

Cardiomyopathy symptoms vary by individual, and by the specific type of cardiomyopathy. The following signs often become more apparent as the condition progresses.

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, even while at rest

An irregular heartbeat, heart murmur, or heart palpitations

Dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, or briefly passing out

The most common type of cardiomyopathy and a leading cause for heart transplants, dilated cardiomyopathy occurs when the left ventricle — one of the heart’s main pumping chambers — becomes enlarged and cannot pump blood to other organs as effectively as a healthy heart. It can affect individuals of all ages but is most common during middle age. Men are more likely than women to develop dilated cardiomyopathy. Coronary artery disease and heart attacks are common causes, but the condition may also stem from genetics. Those with dilated cardiomyopathy may face a greater risk for heart failure in the long term.

One of the most common forms of genetic heart disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is an inherited condition characterized by thickening of the heart muscle, often in the left ventricle. It affects individuals of all ages but often develops during childhood or early adulthood. There is a strong genetic component to this condition, and most affected individuals have a family history of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. If you have a family history of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, you may want to consult with your physician about genetic testing options. Some individuals with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy develop an arrhythmia, which is an irregular heartbeat.

The least common of the three main types of cardiomyopathy, restrictive cardiomyopathy occurs when the heart muscle stiffens and cannot fill with enough blood between heartbeats. It is most common in older age groups and often occurs as the result of another heart-related health condition such as amyloidosis, hemochromatosis, scleroderma, or sarcoidosis. Restrictive cardiomyopathy itself is not believed to be inherited, but many of the related conditions mentioned above have a genetic component.

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia occurs when muscle in the right ventricle is replaced by fat or scar tissue, potentially leading to heart rhythm issues. It is a rare form of cardiomyopathy that often develops as the result of a genetic mutation and most commonly affects teens and young adults.

Cardiomyopathy treatment varies by individual. Your doctor may recommend a combination of medications, medical devices, or surgical procedures to control your cardiomyopathy symptoms and slow the progression of the condition.

Medications may be used to improve blood flow and the heart’s pumping function, lower blood pressure, slow your heart rate, and/or prevent blood clots. The following types of medications are commonly used in the treatment of cardiomyopathy.

Blood pressure medications such as ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), and diuretics

Heart rate controlling medications such as beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and digoxin (Digox®, Lanoxin®, and Digitek®)

Blood thinners and antiplatelet medications such as warfarin (Coumadin®) and novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs)

Antiarrhythmic medications such as amiodarone (Pacerone®) and dronedarone (Multaq®)

If you are experiencing an arrhythmia as the result of cardiomyopathy, your doctor may recommend a device such as a pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) to help control your heartbeat. Other devices including a cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device and a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) may be used to improve the heart’s pumping function and control blood flow.

Some individuals with cardiomyopathy need a non-surgical procedure to treat their condition or a related arrhythmia. Common procedures include a septal ablation, in which a portion of the thickened heart muscle is destroyed to allow for more blood flow, and a radiofrequency ablation, which targets a portion of abnormal heart tissue to address an abnormal heart rhythm. In more severe cases, open-heart surgery or a heart transplant may be required.

Maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle is another aspect of managing cardiomyopathy, as lifestyle choices can affect the progression of the condition and the severity of symptoms. If you have cardiomyopathy, your doctor may recommend that you quit smoking (if applicable), limit your alcohol intake, plan a heart-healthy diet, and exercise more frequently. While inherited forms of cardiomyopathy cannot be prevented, these healthy habits can lower your risk for related health complications and help you experience an active life.

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

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Heart failure, which affects approximately 6.2 million U.S. adults, can be a confusing term. Contrary to what many people assume, it does not mean that your heart no longer works, or has stopped beating, but rather that this vital organ cannot pump blood and oxygen as well as a healthy heart.

What to Know About Heart Failure

Heart failure, which affects approximately 6.2 million U.S. adults, can be a confusing term. Contrary to what many people assume, it does not mean that your heart no longer works, or has stopped beating, but rather that this vital organ cannot pump blood and oxygen as well as a healthy heart. While heart failure is a progressive condition with the potential for serious health complications, it can be managed through lifestyle changes and medication. Read on to learn about heart failure symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

In all cases of heart failure, the heart cannot deliver enough blood and oxygen to the rest of your body. Sometimes this is because weakened heart muscle leaves the heart’s main pumping chambers — the ventricles — unable to carry out their pumping function. This type of heart failure is called heart failure with reduced left ventricular function (HF-rEF). In other cases, the ventricles are too stiff to fill with enough blood between beats. This type of heart failure is called heart failure with preserved left ventricular function (HF-pEF).

Ejection fraction (EF) is an important measurement of heart function for those who have heart failure with reduced left ventricular function. Expressed as a percentage, EF measures the amount of blood pumped from the left ventricle when it contracts. An EF of 55 to 70% is considered a healthy range.

Since heart failure is a progressive condition, your EF gives your doctor insight into any changes in your heart function. An echocardiogram is the most common way to measure your EF, but a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan or nuclear stress test may also be used.

Despite the importance of EF, it is not the sole determinant of heart function. Those who have heart failure with preserved left ventricular function may have a normal EF. These cases of heart failure are often caused by high blood pressure, which gradually thickens the ventricles. Stiff ventricles cannot relax enough to fill to their full capacity, which is why they do not pump out enough blood.

Heart failure can affect many other organs, including the lungs, liver, and kidneys. The potential for additional health complications increases as heart disease progresses, which is why it’s important to stay proactive about your health and follow your doctor’s recommendations for treatment.

Heart failure primarily occurs as the result of other health conditions that weaken or stiffen the heart. Coronary artery disease, the most common type of heart disease, is the leading cause of heart failure. The condition gradually narrows and thickens the arteries that supply your heart with blood and oxygen. Severe blockages in the arteries can prevent the heart from pumping enough blood, leading to the development of heart failure.

High blood pressure is another common cause of heart failure, particularly cases of heart failure with preserved left ventricular function (HF-pEF). If you have high blood pressure, your heart has to work harder to deliver blood to the rest of your body. Over time, this can make your left ventricle too stiff to properly pump out blood.

Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are linked to heart failure, as high blood sugar can affect your blood vessels and cardiac nerves. Heart failure may also be caused by a variety of heart health conditions including cardiomyopathy, congenital heart disease, heart valve disease, and arrhythmias.

Lifestyle factors such as smoking, eating a high-cholesterol or high-sodium diet, heavy alcohol consumption, and a lack of physical activity may increase your risk for heart failure, especially if you have one of the conditions above.

These are some of the most common symptoms of heart failure:

Shortness of breath when exercising or lying down

Fatigue and a feeling of weakness in your legs

Swelling in your ankles, legs, and abdomen

A persistent dry, hacking cough or wheezing

There is a spectrum of severity of heart failure cases, and treatment varies by individual depending upon symptoms and heart function, as well as the underlying cause. If you have early-stage heart failure, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes and prescribe medications that can alleviate symptoms and prevent the condition from progressing.

The following medication classes, many of which lower blood pressure, are commonly used to treat early stages of heart failure.

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors

Often used to treat high blood pressure, ACE inhibitors block production of a hormone that causes blood vessels to narrow, helping constricted blood vessels expand so that more blood can flow through.

Like ACE inhibitors, ARBs protect blood vessels from a hormone that causes them to narrow, lowering blood pressure.

Another medication class commonly used in the treatment of high blood pressure, beta blockers cause the heart to beat more slowly, which lowers your blood pressure and opens up your veins and arteries.

Calcium channel blockers prevent calcium from entering the smooth muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels so that the heart can beat with less force. This opens up narrowed blood vessels and lowers blood pressure.

If you have atrial fibrillation — an irregular heart rate condition — or another heart health condition, your treatment plan for heart failure may include anticoagulants, medications that reduce the blood’s ability to form new clots and prevent existing clots from growing.

Cholesterol-lowering medications such as statins may be used to treat those who have early-stage heart failure and high cholesterol.

Many people with heart disease retain fluid. Diuretics, also referred to as water pills, can help eliminate excess water and sodium, which reduces the heart’s workload.

Small lifestyle changes are an important part of managing mild to moderate cases of heart failure. They can help alleviate symptoms and slow the progression of the condition. Here are some of the lifestyle changes your doctor may recommend.

Avoiding or limiting your caffeine intake

Anyone can benefit from these lifestyle changes, even those who do not have heart failure. Heart-healthy living is a lifelong practice, and the best way to prevent health issues like heart failure in the future is to prioritize your heart health today.

Some individuals with more advanced heart failure may need a procedure such as coronary bypass surgery or an angioplasty, both of which target a blocked coronary artery. Pacemakers may also be used to help control the rhythm of their heart, often in tandem with a bypass surgery and medications. 

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Reach out any time through in-app secure messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881.

When there are issues with your heart’s electrical signals it may beat too quickly, too slowly, or irregularly. This is called an arrhythmia. Learn more about the primary types of arrhythmias and the medications most commonly used to treat them.

Medications Commonly Used to Treat Arrhythmias

While a resting heart rate — the number of times your heart beats per minute when you’re at rest — will vary from one individual to the next, the healthy range for an adult is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. However, when there are issues with your heart’s electrical signals, which trigger each individual heartbeat, your heart may beat too quickly, too slowly, or irregularly. This is called an arrhythmia.

The best course of action depends on the type of arrhythmia you have and your overall health. Many cases of mild arrhythmias do not require any treatment. But your doctor may recommend medication to control or resolve your arrhythmia if there is a risk that your arrhythmia could cause more serious heart health issues.

Below, we explain more about the primary types of arrhythmias and the medications most commonly used to treat them.

Arrhythmias are categorized by the speed of the resulting heart rate and the area of the heart in which they originate.

A tachycardia is a fast heart rate, typically over 100 beats per minute when you’re at rest. There are many different types of tachycardias, including the following:

Atrial fibrillation is a rapid heart rate caused by irregularities in the electrical signals in the heart’s upper chambers, or atria. The condition may be temporary in some cases, but it often requires retreatment. It has been linked to more serious health issues including strokes.

Ventricular tachycardia is a rapid but steady heart rate caused by irregular electric signals in the heart’s lower chambers, or ventricles. The condition may lead to health complications depending on your overall cardiovascular health.

A bradycardia is a slow heart rate, typically under 60 beats per minute when you’re at rest. There are several types of bradycardias, including:

Sick sinus syndrome is a condition in which your sinus node — the heart’s natural pacemaker — doesn’t properly send electrical signals, causing your heart rate to beat slowly. (In some individuals, sinus node problems may result in a heart rate that alternates between too slow and too fast, which is also called bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome.)

Heart block, or atrioventricular block, is a condition in which electrical signals running through the atria don’t reach the ventricles. There’s a wide range in the severity of heart blocks, so they are subclassified into first-degree (mildest), second-degree, and third-degree (complete) heart blocks.

It’s also possible to experience a premature heartbeat, which often feels like a skipped heartbeat but is actually an additional beat. Premature heartbeats may occur when you are at rest, or they may be caused by stress, physical exertion, or stimulants like caffeine or nicotine.

For many individuals, premature heartbeats do not lead to more serious health problems, but it may trigger a more persistent arrhythmia in others. If you have a preexisting heart disease, you are more likely to experience complications as the result of a premature heartbeat.

Monitoring your heart rate and diagnosing an arrhythmia

Regularly monitoring your heart rate and heart rhythm can help you identify any potential issues in advance and avoid more serious health complications. Read our previous blog, ‘What Your Heart Rate Can Tell You About Your Health’ for additional guidance on measuring your resting heart rate. And if you have any concerns about your heart rate, consult with your doctor for an evaluation of any heart-related health issues.

To make a formal diagnosis of an arrhythmia, your doctor may use one or more tests to capture your heart’s rhythm. The process often begins with an electrocardiogram (ECG), a test performed in your doctor’s office in which patches attached to various places on your chest, arms, and legs record your heart’s activity.

If you have a chronic, consistent arrhythmia, the ECG may accurately capture your arrhythmia. However, if your arrhythmia is less frequent, an ECG may not necessarily give your doctor the information needed for a diagnosis. If that’s the case, they may recommend additional tests, including monitors you can use at home to record your heart’s activity over a longer period of time.

Treating an arrhythmia with antiarrhythmics

Antiarrhythmics help restore a regular heart rhythm by acting on the electrical currents that cause your heart to beat. They are most commonly used to treat tachycardias or premature heartbeats, and the majority are taken orally as a pill on an ongoing basis.

These are some of the most commonly prescribed antiarrhythmics and their side effects:

Amiodarone works by slowing down your heart’s nerve activity. It will likely take several weeks of amiodarone use before you experience the medication’s full effects.

It isn’t uncommon to experience nausea, vomiting, constipation, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, or a combination of these effects from taking amiodarone. For that reason, your doctor may recommend that you take amiodarone with meals.

Additional side effects include tremors, lack of coordination, weakness, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping. If any of these are severe or long-lasting, or if you experience more serious side effects such as abdominal swelling or painful breathing, contact your doctor right away.

Flecainide is typically started in the hospital if you are admitted for an arrhythmic-related health issue so that your doctor can closely monitor your response to it. It comes in tablet form and is usually taken twice a day. If you experience an upset stomach from the medication, your doctor may recommend that you take it with food or milk.

Flecainide is most effective when there is a constant level of it in your bloodstream so it’s important that you take it exactly as directed by your doctor. Abruptly stopping use of flecainide can cause serious health complications, so be sure to follow your doctor’s recommendations and consult with them if you have any concerns.

Common side effects of flecainide include nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; loss of appetite; tremors; blurred vision; sleep disruptions; weakness; and dizziness or faintness. Contact your doctor if these side effects are severe or long-lasting. If you experience any severe side effects such as chest pain, yellow eyes or skin, fever, or difficulty breathing, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Standing up slowly from sitting or lying down can alleviate dizziness and drowsiness caused by the medication. You should also ask your doctor if there are any activities to avoid while taking this medication given these side effects.

Propafenone acts on the heart muscle to improve your heart rhythm. It is typically taken three times a day. You may begin taking it in the hospital so that your doctor can observe how it affects you.

To maintain a consistent level of propafenone in your bloodstream, it’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations and to take the medication exactly as prescribed. If you have any concerns about taking this medication, consult with your doctor, as abruptly stopping use of propafenone may lead to an irregular heartbeat. One exception is if you experience excessive drowsiness or a slow or irregular heartbeat, in which case you should stop taking the medication right away and contact your doctor.

Side effects are less common with propafenone than with other antiarrhythmics. However, you may experience nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, weakness or muscle aches. Contact your doctor if you have any concerns about these side effects.

Ask your doctor about any possible food restrictions or necessary changes to your diet, as potassium can interact with propafenone.

Dronedarone is primarily recommended for individuals who have previously had atrial fibrillation but now have a normal heart rhythm. It can reduce the likelihood of being hospitalized for the condition in the future.

Your doctor will likely consider your overall health when determining if dronedarone is a good fit for you, as the medication may increase your risk for complications of other heart conditions. It is not typically recommended for individuals who have severe heart failure or worsening heart failure symptoms, or if your atrial fibrillation has remained consistent.

This medication has been known to interact with other medications, including other heart rhythm medications; antiviral medications like ritonavir; certain antibiotics including clarithromycin and telithromycin; certain antidepressants including amitriptyline, clomipramine, and nefazodone; antifungal medications like itraconazole, ketoconazole, and voriconazole; and antipsychotic medications like chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, and thioridazine. Make sure your doctor is aware of any medications you take.

Antiarrhythmics may also be administered intravenously in the hospital during a medical emergency. Ibutilide (Corvert®) and lidocaine (Xylocaine®) are two of the most commonly used antiarrhythmics that are administered through an IV.

General guidance about antiarrhythmic use

There are some general practices to follow when taking any medication in this class to avoid more serious health complications and manage side effects:

Inform your doctor of any underlying health conditions you have, as these may interact with your medication, especially kidney disease, congestive heart failure, liver disease, diabetes, or respiratory disease.

Your doctor may recommend exams, electrocardiograms (ECGs), and blood tests to monitor the medication’s effectiveness. Stay current with these follow-up appointments and lab work. 

Use caution when driving, particularly while you are still adjusting to the medication, and ask your doctor if there are any activities that you should avoid.

Depending on the type of arrhythmia you have and your overall health history, your doctor may also recommend calcium channel blockers or beta blockers. Here’s what to know about these medication classes.

If you have chest pain or high or low blood pressure in addition to your arrhythmia, your doctor may prescribe a calcium channel blocker. Commonly used to treat high blood pressure, calcium channel blockers open up narrowed blood vessels, allowing for more blood to flow to your heart. They are also used to treat arrhythmias since the opening of blood vessels can also slow your heart rate.

Most calcium channel blockers prescribed for arrhythmias are taken orally as pills, but some of them may be taken intravenously, which is when a medication is sent directly into your veins using a needle or a tube, typically in a hospital or doctor’s office.

Calcium channel blockers commonly used to treat arrhythmias include:

Common calcium channel blocker side effects include dizziness, constipation, and headaches. More severe side effects include rash or swelling in your legs and feet. Contact your doctor if you have any concerns about these side effects.

Beta blockers are commonly used to treat high blood pressure. Since they cause the heart to beat more slowly and less forcefully, they are also effective at treating tachycardias.

Beta blockers commonly used to treat tachycardias include:

Common beta blocker side effects include cold hands, fatigue, headache, and weight gain. They may also affect your digestive system.

If you have diabetes and take insulin, it’s important to check your blood sugar levels often while taking beta blockers as beta blockers may block typical signs of low blood sugar such as a rapid heart rate. Beta blockers are not typically used by people with asthma, as they may trigger severe asthma attacks.

If your arrhythmia puts you at a greater risk for blood clots or a stroke caused by a blood clot, your doctor may add an anticoagulant to your medication protocol. These medications reduce the blood’s ability to form new blood clots and prevent existing clots from growing. They will not address your arrhythmia, however, so they are typically taken in combination with one of the medications described above.

Choose a pharmacy that never skips a beat

At Alto, we’re committed to making it as simple as possible to manage your arrhythmia and strengthen your heart. We offer free same-day delivery and medication management tools like reminders and auto refills in our app. And our team of pharmacists is always here to answer your questions by phone or through the Alto app, and will even remind you when your medications are due for a refill.

Pharmacist discussing medication with patient

Blog

Atrial Fibrillation, Explained

Cardiomyopathy, Explained

What to Know About Heart Failure

Medications Commonly Used to Treat Arrhythmias

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