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The HIV prevention medication PrEP — short for pre-exposure prophylaxis — has played a critical role in reducing the number of new HIV infections in recent years. It is highly effective when taken as prescribed every day, lowering the risk of sexual transmission and intravenous drug transmission by 99% and 74%, respectively.

What to Know About PrEP Follow-Up Appointments and Testing

Staying on track with PrEP treatment includes not only taking the medication as prescribed, but also regularly attending all follow-up appointments and completing recommended lab tests. Here’s an overview of ongoing medical care related to PrEP.

Note that PrEP is distinct from PEP — post-exposure prophylaxis — a prevention medication for emergencies and accidental exposures. Learn more about PEP.

If you think PrEP may be right for you, make an appointment with your doctor or other healthcare provider as a first step. (Check with your provider about the possibility of telehealth appointments, if interested.) They can write you a prescription for PrEP and conduct an HIV test, which is required to begin taking the medication.

If you do not have a provider or are unable to get a prescription from your doctor, the following resources can connect you with a provider who will prescribe PrEP for you:

There are several FDA-approved oral medication options — Truvada®, Descovy®,  and a generic for Truvada — and as of December 2021, PrEP is now available as an injectable treatment option called cabotegravir (Apretude®).

For those who find it difficult to remember to take a pill every day, the injectable form may make it easier to stay on track with PrEP treatment. However, oral PrEP continues to offer highly effective prevention for anyone at risk of HIV infection.

Always consult with a doctor if you are interested in switching from one form of PrEP to another.

What is the typical schedule of medical appointments when taking PrEP?

Work with your provider to determine the frequency of your follow-up appointments. A typical schedule often consists of the following:

First follow-up appointment between 2-4 weeks

Ongoing follow-up appointments every three months

What happens at the initial intake appointment?

If you are interested in getting started with PrEP, the first appointment will include an overview of PrEP as well as HIV testing and other lab work. If you qualify for PrEP and can commit to start taking the medication as prescribed, your doctor can write a prescription right away.

The baseline lab work includes the following:

An HIV test, to confirm that you do not have HIV at the beginning of your PrEP treatment

Testing to screen for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis

A blood test to measure kidney function (for those prescribed oral PrEP medications)

A blood test to measure cholesterol and triglyceride levels (for those prescribed oral PrEP medications)

What happens at the first follow-up appointment?

Your provider will have you come in for a follow-up appointment between 2-4 weeks. This appointment is an opportunity to discuss your experience with the medication so far, including side effects. It’s also a good time to share any other concerns, such as financial difficulties or medication adherence. Your provider will likely be able to refer you to resources.

What happens at ongoing follow-up appointments?

If you are taking oral PrEP, you will have follow-up appointments every three months. At these appointments, your doctor will:

Conduct an HIV test and assess you for symptoms of acute HIV infection to confirm that you still do not have HIV.

Provide a prescription or refill authorization of daily oral PrEP medication for no more than 90 days.

Discuss any challenges with medication adherence and answer any questions you may have.

Conduct screening for other STIs including syphilis, gonorrhea, or chlamydia.

At the six-month mark, your doctor will likely measure kidney function. (Kidney testing may be more frequent depending on individual health factors.)

They may also ask about your interest in continuing with or stopping the medication. It is important to always consult with a provider before discontinuing or restarting PrEP so that they can evaluate your overall health and review lab work.

What if I have difficulty affording PrEP or related medical care?

PrEP continues to become more accessible. In addition to the availability of generic PrEP options and expanded health insurance coverage of PrEP, the following resources can help lower the costs of HIV prevention medication.

Many states have patient assistance programs to help people with a variety of insurance statuses access PrEP and related medical services at little to no cost. Read our previous blog for more on how to apply for state-funded PrEP assistance programs.

Many medication manufacturers offer patient assistance programs to offset the cost of medication. For example, Gilead, the manufacturer of brand-name Truvada, has the Gilead Advancing Access® program, which offers a copay card for those with insurance and a Medical Assistance Program for those who are uninsured.

The Ready, Set, PrEP program provides PrEP at no cost to eligible individuals without insurance coverage of prescription medications.

Alto is here every step of the way to make it as easy as possible to follow the treatment plan your doctor recommends. Our pharmacists have deep expertise in HIV treatment and prevention and can help you get started with oral PrEP and continue treatment.

We’re available to answer any questions you may have between your follow-up appointments. In addition, we will coordinate with your doctor and your insurance provider, if applicable, to ensure that you’re receiving the best PrEP option for your needs at the best price.

To learn more, reach out any time through Alto’s in-app messaging or 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.

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.

The thyroid may be small, but it plays a significant role in your overall health and wellness. This butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your throat produces and regulates hormones that influence your metabolism and energy level, cholesterol, heart rate, body temperature, and more.

How to Manage an Overactive Thyroid

Balanced thyroid hormones allow your body’s many systems to properly function, and issues with the thyroid can impact many aspects of your health.

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces too much thyroid hormone, accelerating the metabolism beyond normal. The condition can result in unintentional weight loss and/or an irregular or rapid heartbeat. Without treatment, it can lead to more serious complications such as congenital heart failure, eye health issues, and osteoporosis.

There are several effective treatment options for hyperthyroidism, including medications and surgical procedures. Here’s what to know about managing hyperthyroidism.

Causes and risk factors of hyperthyroidism

Several conditions or health factors may lead to overproduction of thyroid hormone. Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies overly stimulate the thyroid, is the leading cause of hyperthyroidism, accounting for 85% of all cases.

The development of thyroid nodules, which are typically benign lumps or growths in the thyroid that produce more hormones than needed

Thyroiditis, or thyroid inflammation, which most commonly occurs after pregnancy due to an underlying autoimmune disease or unknown cause

Excess consumption of iodine — a mineral critical to the production of thyroid hormone — through diet or medications

There are also several known factors that may increase your risk of developing the condition, including:

Health conditions including pernicious anemia, Type 1 diabetes, and primary adrenal insufficiency (also known as Addison’s disease)

Hyperthyroidism is associated with a wide range of signs and symptoms such as the following:

Unintentional weight loss even with increased food intake

Enlarged thyroid gland at the base of your neck

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism may be subtle for some individuals. In addition, many common symptoms overlap with those of other health conditions. If you have any concerns about your thyroid health, consult with your provider for an evaluation.

Hyperthyroidism is associated with irregular menstrual cycles, which can lead to difficulty conceiving. Many people initially learn of a hyperthyroidism diagnosis after experiencing fertility challenges. The treatment options described in more detail below can help restore hormone levels and ovulation.

There are several ways to diagnose hyperthyroidism, including a physical exam, blood tests, and imaging tests.

Your healthcare provider may check your thyroid, eyes, heart, hands, and skin during a physical exam to confirm a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism.

Your provider may recommend thyroid function testing, which consists of measuring your thyroid hormone levels via blood samples. Hyperthyroidism is characterized by elevated levels of the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) and lower-than-normal levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).

Your provider may also use one or more imaging tests to more closely examine your thyroid, including a radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) test, a thyroid scan, and a thyroid ultrasound.

There are a variety of treatment options for hyperthyroidism. Your provider will make individualized recommendations based on the cause of your hyperthyroidism and your overall health history.

The following types of medications are commonly used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism.

Anti-thyroid medications including methimazole (Tapazole®) and propylthiouracil (PTU) reduce symptoms by preventing over-production of thyroid hormones. These medications are typically taken for at least a year, though symptoms may improve within weeks or months.

Radioactive iodine is an oral medication that targets overactive thyroid cells, causing the thyroid to shrink and lowering hormone levels within a few weeks. This treatment approach permanently affects thyroid function, so symptoms of hyperthyroidism will not reappear. In most cases, the use of thyroid hormone medications is necessary after this treatment to maintain balanced hormone levels.

Beta blockers can control associated symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat, nervousness, or tremors. These medications cause the heart to beat more slowly and less forcefully. They will not change hormone levels and are typically used in tandem with anti-thyroid medications or radioactive iodine therapy. Commonly prescribed beta blockers include atenolol (Tenormin®), bisoprolol (Zebeta®), metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor®), metoprolol succinate (Toprol-XL®), acebutolol (Sectral®), and propranolol (Inderal®).

Some cases of hyperthyroidism require removal of part or all of the thyroid gland in a procedure known as a thyroidectomy. While this is effective at treating hyperthyroidism, it can result in an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), which requires ongoing use of thyroid supplements.

Iodine consumption can contribute to the development of hyperthyroidism or worsen symptoms. Managing hyperthyroidism often includes monitoring iodine intake.

If your provider recommends following a low-iodine diet, try to avoid or limit your intake of seafood and seaweed, which have the highest iodine content of all foods. Other high-iodine foods to consume in moderation include milk and dairy products, egg yolk, and iodized salt.

Never make significant changes to your diet without first consulting your provider or a nutritionist.

Managing hyperthyroidism is easier with a reliable pharmacy partner by your side. Our pharmacists can answer any questions you may have about treatment, and we offer free, same-day delivery and medication management tools like reminders and auto refills in our app.

To learn more, reach out any time through secure in-app messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common form of arthritis that affects children and adolescents. Like adult rheumatoid arthritis (RA), JIA is characterized by pain and inflammation throughout the body as the result of joint inflammation and stiffness.

In contrast to the ongoing nature of RA, some children do outgrow JIA. However, it can impact a growing child’s bone development, so treatment is important.

What to Know About Arthritis in Children

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common form of arthritis that affects children and adolescents. Like adult rheumatoid arthritis (RA), JIA is characterized by pain and inflammation throughout the body as the result of joint inflammation and stiffness.

In contrast to the ongoing nature of RA, some children do outgrow JIA. However, it can impact a growing child’s bone development, so treatment is important.

Here’s what to know about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options of JIA.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis affects children and adolescents age 16 and under. It may cause joint pain and inflammation anywhere in the body, but most commonly in the hands, knees, ankles, elbows, and wrists.

If untreated, JIA can lead to health complications, including:

Eye health issues such as cataracts or glaucoma, as JIA can cause inflammation in the eyes

More rarely, issues with the kidneys, heart, or endocrine system

The prognosis of JIA varies by individual. About 50% of children and adolescents with the condition fully recover while others continue to experience arthritis symptoms in adulthood. 

All forms of arthritis including JIA fall under the umbrella of autoimmune diseases. These conditions occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues. With arthritis, the immune system acts on the lining of your joints.

The causes of JIA aren’t fully known (idiopathic means unknown). Genetics likely play a component. Some evidence suggests that some children have a gene that leads to the development of JIA when activated by external factors such as a virus or bacteria.

Symptoms of juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Symptoms of JIA can vary from one child to another. Some individuals experience flare-ups, or periods when symptoms intensify, while others have a more chronic experience of the condition.

Pain and inflammation in the joints, most commonly in the hands, knees, ankles, elbows, and wrists. (For many, this symptom frequently occurs in the morning or after sleeping.)

The process of diagnosing JIA often involves several steps, as symptoms may resemble those of other conditions.

A physical exam is typically the starting point, after which a doctor may recommend one or more of the following blood tests to confirm a diagnosis of JIA: 

Antibody tests such as the antinuclear antibody (ANA) test, which measures blood levels of antibodies linked to rheumatic disease

Tests that check for levels of red and white blood cells and platelets - lower levels of red and white blood cells may be indicative of JIA

An erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test, which examines how quickly your red blood cells sink to the bottom of a test tube - higher rates of settlement may indicate inflammation

A c-reactive protein (CRP) test, which identifies blood levels of CRP, an inflammation-linked protein produced in your liver

A creatinine test, which checks for kidney disease

A rheumatoid factor (RF) test, which checks for rheumatoid factor, an antibody found in about 80% of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis

Imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and bone scans may also be used to support a JIA diagnosis.

Treatment for JIA encompasses medications, lifestyle changes, and physical and occupational therapy, with the goal of reducing symptoms and supporting an active life.

Individual treatment plans depend on a child’s symptoms, age, and overall health history.

The following types of medications may be included in a JIA treatment plan:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including ibuprofen (Advil®) and naproxen (Aleve®) may be used to reduce pain and inflammation during flare-ups. While these medications are available over the counter, your child may need a prescription for a higher dose.

Oral corticosteroids such as prednisone may also be used to reduce inflammation in children with JIA.

Disease-modifying antirheumatic medicines (DMARDs) such as methotrexate (Rheumatrex®) reduce the immune system’s response to triggers, easing inflammation and controlling JIA symptoms.

Injectable biologic DMARDs — which target more specific pathways in the immune system — are also used in the treatment of JIA, typically after other treatments have proven ineffective. Commonly prescribed biologics include abatacept (Orencia®), adalimumab (Humira®), canakinumab (Ilaris®), etanercept (Enbrel®) and tocilizumab (Actemra®).

Sugars, refined carbohydrates, and gluten can contribute to joint pain and inflammation, so it is often recommended for those with any type of arthritis to reduce their intake of these foods. With JIA, there is the additional consideration of incorporating nutrient-rich foods to support a child’s healthy growth and development. Consider speaking with a nutrition specialist to develop a balanced meal plan.

Regular physical activity is another component of managing JIA. Swimming and other water exercises, yoga, and cycling may be a good fit for children and adolescents with the condition. Physical therapy may be involved in treatment to help a child improve muscle and joint function. 

Lastly, it’s important for a child with JIA to get plenty of rest.

JIA is linked to eye inflammation, which can cause more serious eye problems later in life. Staying on track with regular eye exams can prevent and detect potential problems.

Life with juvenile idiopathic arthritis is easier with a reliable pharmacy partner by your side. Our pharmacists have specialized training in arthritis treatment and can answer any questions you may have, from medication side effects to navigating lifestyle changes.

In addition, we offer free, same-day delivery and medication management tools like reminders and auto refills in our app to make it as simple as possible to stay on track with your treatment.

An asthma attack is an acute flare-up of symptoms defined by sudden shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. Managing asthma attacks includes both proactively responding to symptoms when they arise and staying on track with treatment in the long term. Learn more here.

Treatment and Prevention of Asthma Attacks | Alto Pharmacy

Many individuals with asthma are familiar with the experience of an asthma attack — an acute flare-up of symptoms defined by sudden shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. These exacerbations vary in intensity and require efficient and prompt treatment.

Management of asthma attacks is twofold. To immediately address symptoms in the moment, work with your provider to identify your asthma attack warning signs and establish a treatment strategy. In the longer term, identify and avoid triggers and stay on track with treatment, so as to reduce the frequency and intensity of these flare-ups.

Here’s more on recognizing, treating, and preventing asthma attacks.

Effective management of an asthma attack starts by recognizing the signs and symptoms and understanding what to do when they occur.

While individual experiences of an asthma attack may vary, these are some common signs and symptoms. Your doctor can help you in identifying your individual warning signs of an asthma attack.

The following symptoms of a severe asthma attack warrant immediate medical attention:

Severe breathlessness or wheezing, especially at night or in the early morning

Difficulty speaking due to shortness of breath

No improvement from quick-relief medication

Everyone with asthma should have an asthma action plan that documents their treatment needs, including what steps to take when asthma symptoms intensify. Work with your doctor to create your individual asthma action plan.

If and when you experience a flare-up of asthma symptoms, follow the steps in your treatment plan. If your PEF readings fall between 51% to 79% of your baseline, a common first step is to take quick-relief or “rescue” asthma medications.

These medications are taken on an as-needed basis, as prescribed by your doctor, and relax airway muscles to open the lungs. They relieve shortness of breath and wheezing within minutes and can stop an asthma attack in progress.

Common quick-relief asthma medications include:

Albuterol (ProAir® HFA, Proventil® HFA, and Ventolin® HFA)

Inhalers are the most common form of quick-relief asthma medications. Albuterol and levalbuterol are also available as a liquid solution for nebulizer use.

A quick-relief medication may sufficiently relieve symptoms and improve PEF readings. If symptoms do not improve, emergency medical care may be necessary. Your asthma action plan should help you determine when to seek emergency care.

In many cases, asthma attacks may be preventable. When followed on an ongoing basis, the steps below can help lower your chances of experiencing an asthma attack.

1. Follow your treatment plan and take maintenance medications as prescribed (if applicable).

Many individuals with moderate to severe asthma take long-term maintenance medication in addition to a quick-relief medication.

These medications ease inflammation in the airways, preventing exacerbations and controlling symptoms. You must take them as prescribed every day to experience their benefits.

There are two main types of long-term asthma control medications:

Inhaled corticosteroids including Flovent® HFA and Qvar Redihaler® 

Combination inhalers that contain both corticosteroids and long-acting beta agonists (LABAs) including fluticasone and salmeterol (Advair Diskus®); budesonide and formoterol (Symbicort®); mometasone and formoterol (Dulera®); and fluticasone and vilanterol (Breo Ellipta®)

Asthma attacks may be caused by a variety of triggers including:

Each individual has different triggers. To identify yours, make a note of your asthma symptoms as they appear, including environmental factors that may have contributed to them. As you begin to learn your triggers, take necessary precautions to avoid them.

3. Avoid all cigarette smoke, including secondhand and thirdhand smoke.

Everyone with asthma can benefit from limiting their exposure to cigarette smoke, a frequent trigger of asthma attacks.

In addition to refraining from smoking yourself, avoid exposure to secondhand smoke and thirdhand smoke, the residual smoke that remains on clothing or surrounding indoor surfaces. (Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor for smoking cessation resources if needed.)

Allergic asthma accounts for 60% of all asthma cases in the U.S. and is triggered by allergens such as household dust mites, pet dander, and pollen. There are many ways to reduce the presence of allergens in your home, including:

Using the AC rather than opening windows when pollen counts are high

Using a dehumidifier to keep indoor air dry, which will in turn prevent mold growth and dust mites

Vacuuming at least once a week, ideally using a vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, which catches smaller particles like allergens

It’s especially important for those with asthma to stay current with vaccines, as respiratory infections like the flu can become more serious and/or trigger asthma symptoms.

Check with your doctor about which vaccines you need. For detailed vaccine recommendations by age group, reference the CDC’s recommended immunization schedules for children and adolescents and adults.

Alto Pharmacy is here every step of the way to help you manage your asthma. Our team of pharmacists is available to answer questions about your medications, and we offer free, same-day delivery and medication management tools like reminders and auto refills in our app.

Reach out by phone at 1-800-874-5881 or in-app messaging to learn how we can support your treatment plan.

Treatment and Prevention of Asthma Attacks

Psoriasis is a skin disorder that occurs when new skin cells grow too quickly as the result of immune-related inflammation. It is characterized by thick patches of skin covered with white or silver scales. There are a variety of treatment approaches that help slow down the growth of skin cells and treat symptoms.

Psoriasis, Explained

Here’s what to know about the condition’s causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

Your body typically produces new skin cells over the course of several weeks. For those with psoriasis, new skin cells are formed in days. The excess cells accumulate on the surface of the skin, leading to the development of thick, scaly patches in most psoriasis cases.

Psoriasis scales may develop anywhere on the body. Some people have just a few small flakes on their scalp or elbow while others have larger patches covering much of their skin.

Individuals of all ages, sexes, races, and ethnicities may develop psoriasis. In the U.S., roughly one-third of all psoriasis cases develop before the age of 20. It is a lifelong condition, with the exception of a type of psoriasis that resolves after childhood.

The specific causes of psoriasis aren’t fully understood, however, the immune system, genetics, and environmental factors likely all contribute to its development. If one parent has psoriasis, you are more likely to also develop the condition. If both parents have it, your risk increases further.

Smoking can increase both an individual’s risk of psoriasis and the severity of the condition.

Psoriasis is not contagious and cannot be passed from one person to another.

For most people with psoriasis, symptoms fluctuate over time. Symptoms may be severe for a few days or weeks before clearing up. Some people then go on to experience years without symptoms. The periodic flare-ups are typically triggered by environmental factors such as the following:

Infections including strep throat and skin infections

Weather, especially cold temperatures and dry air

Skin injuries including cuts, scrapes, bug bites, and sunburns

While symptoms of psoriasis can vary significantly from one individual to another, common symptoms include the following:

White or silver scales, also referred to as plaques, on the inflamed patches

Soreness, itching, or burning sensations on or near patches of irritated skin

A basic physical exam is often sufficient in diagnosing psoriasis, as symptoms are both visible and distinct from those of other conditions. 

In cases where a diagnosis is less clear, your doctor may order a biopsy, which is a small sample of your skin. Biopsies are typically performed in a doctor’s office with a local numbing agent.

Your provider may refer you to a dermatologist who specializes in the treatment of skin conditions.

While there is no cure for psoriasis, there are many treatments that lessen skin inflammation and scales, remove plaques, and slow down the turnover of skin cells. Your doctor will recommend the best approach for your needs and symptoms, typically starting with less invasive options. 

Topical treatments, or medications applied to the surface of skin, are typically the frontline treatment for psoriasis. They slow down skin cell growth and reduce inflammation. There are several types of topicals:

Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory agents that reduce swelling and redness, and the most commonly prescribed medications for mild to moderate psoriasis. They are available in many forms, including oils, ointments, creams, lotions, gels, and more. Mild corticosteroid ointments like hydrocortisone are frequently used for sensitive areas while stronger creams and ointments like triamcinolone (Trianex®) and clobetasol (Cormax®, Temovate®) may be used for less sensitive areas or patches that don’t respond to hydrocortisone.

Non-steroid topicals including synthetic forms of vitamin D such as calcipotriene (Dovonex®, Sorilux®) and calcitriol (Vectical®) may be prescribed as an alternative to steroids. Like steroids, these treatments can help control plaques. They may cause less irritation than other treatments.

There are also over-the-counter topical treatments in the form of lotions, foams, tars, shampoos, and more. The active ingredients salicylic acid and coal tar are FDA-approved for psoriasis treatment. Always consult your doctor before beginning an over-the-counter treatment.

Light therapy is often a first line treatment for moderate or severe psoriasis, alone or in tandem with medications. In this treatment, the skin is exposed to controlled amounts of natural or artificial light. There are many types of light therapy, from simple exposure to sunlight to controlled doses of UVB broadband and UVB narrowband light and more. Your doctor can help you determine if these therapies are appropriate for you.

If your symptoms are moderate to severe, or if they haven’t responded to frontline treatments, your doctor may recommend an oral or injected medication. Since some of these medications have the potential for more severe side effects, they are used for short periods of time or alternated with other medications.

Biologics, a class of medications that are derived from antibodies and act on your immune system to prevent inflammation

Retinoids, vitamin A-based treatment typically prescribed in a hospital setting for severe psoriasis. Due to the potential for birth defects, retinoids are not safe to take during pregnancy, or three years prior to pregnancy.

Cyclosporine (Sandimmune®) is an immunosuppressant medication that decreases your immune system’s response to ease psoriasis symptoms. Since it weakens your immune system, it can make you more susceptible to illness.

Methotrexate is another immunosuppressant that may be prescribed as an alternative to cyclosporine. There is the potential for serious side effects with long-term use, but when used in low doses in the short term, side effects are typically mild.

Managing psoriasis is easier with a reliable pharmacy partner by your side. Our pharmacists can answer any questions you may have about treatment, and we offer free, same-day delivery and medication management tools like reminders and auto refills in our app.

Everyone should prioritize their heart health and take impactful steps to lower their risk of heart disease, a widespread and serious condition. For those with diabetes, it’s especially important to be proactive, as the condition doubles your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Understanding the Diabetes-Heart Health Connection

Read on to learn how diabetes affects heart health and what you can do to lower your risk of heart disease if you have diabetes.

The term heart disease refers to several different conditions that affect the heart:

Coronary artery disease — the most common type of heart disease — occurs when the blood vessels that supply the heart with oxygen-rich blood are hardened or blocked, affecting blood flow to the heart.

Peripheral arterial disease is characterized by a similar hardening of the arteries in the legs and feet. It is often the first sign of cardiovascular disease in an individual with diabetes.

Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump blood and oxygen as well as a healthy heart, often due to damaged heart muscle or blocked arteries.

A stroke occurs when the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain is blocked, often due to a blood clot or the accumulation of plaque in blood vessels.

Diabetes is one of several primary drivers of heart disease, along with uncontrollable risk factors like age and family history as well as controllable ones such as:

The connection between diabetes and heart health is twofold. First, it can directly increase your risk of heart disease, as high blood sugar — the defining feature of diabetes — can gradually damage your blood vessels and the nerves that control your heart.

Secondly, diabetes may increase your risk for other heart-related conditions, specifically:

High blood pressure, which occurs when the force of the blood flowing through your arteries is consistently too high, causing the heart to work harder. Damaged blood vessels as the result of diabetes can lead to high blood pressure. According to the American Diabetes Association, two out of three individuals with diabetes have high blood pressure or take blood pressure-lowering medication.

Blog

What to Know About PrEP Follow-Up Appointments and Testing

How to Manage an Overactive Thyroid

What to Know About Arthritis in Children

Treatment and Prevention of Asthma Attacks

Psoriasis, Explained

Understanding the Diabetes-Heart Health Connection

Navigating a Diagnosis of Prediabetes

How Alto Lowers the Cost of Fertility Treatment Through Better Medication Management

Choosing the Right Birth Control for You

Osteoporosis, Explained

The Difference Between Extended- and Immediate-Release Medications

Atrial Fibrillation, Explained

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