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Hyperlipidemia refers to high blood levels of two types of lipids: cholesterol and triglycerides. While high cholesterol is the most common type, hyperlipidemia also includes hypertriglyceridemia — in which triglyceride levels are too high — and mixed hyperlipidemia, in which both cholesterol and triglyceride levels are high.

Hyperlipidemia, Explained

Untreated hyperlipidemia is a risk factor for coronary artery disease, and those with the condition may face a greater risk for heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues. Fortunately, all forms of hyperlipidemia can be managed with lifestyle changes and/or medications.

Below, we explain more about the causes and risk factors for hyperlipidemia and how to manage the condition.

Hyperlipidemia occurs when a person’s levels of triglycerides, LDL cholesterol (aka “bad cholesterol”), or both are too high. Both triglycerides and cholesterol are types of lipids, or fatty acids, that move through your blood.

Neither cholesterol nor triglycerides are inherently bad. In fact, your body needs them, and each serves a distinct purpose:

Cholesterol builds cells and some hormones

In high amounts, however, LDL cholesterol and/or triglycerides cause plaque to gradually accumulate inside of your blood vessels. Over time, this makes it increasingly difficult for blood to move through your body. By depriving the heart and brain of nutrients and oxygen, this can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Other complications of hyperlipidemia include:

Hyperlipidemia can develop as the result of genetics, lifestyle factors, other health conditions, and medications.

If you have been prescribed any of the above medications, speak with your doctor about the balance of benefits and risks.

Hyperlipidemia is typically not accompanied by any visible symptoms, so it’s important to stay on track with regular screening.

A lipid profile, or lipid panel, is a simple blood test that measures your levels of:

HDL cholesterol (aka “good cholesterol”)

LDL cholesterol (aka “bad cholesterol”)

The exact definition of “healthy” cholesterol and triglyceride levels depends on a variety of health factors and may vary by individual. Below are general guidelines, however it’s important to work with your doctor to determine your target range.

A healthy range for total cholesterol is typically considered to be less than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL)

A healthy range for HDL cholesterol is typically considered to be higher than 40 mg/dL for men and higher than 50 mg/dL for women

A healthy range for LDL cholesterol is typically considered to be less than 100 mg/dL

A healthy range for triglycerides is typically considered to be less than 150 mg/dL

If your cholesterol and triglycerides are in what your doctor considers to be a healthy range, the recommended frequency for screening is usually every 4-6 years. If you are at a higher risk for heart health issues, you may need more frequent screenings.

In most cases, a doctor will recommend lifestyle changes as the starting point of treatment for hyperlipidemia.

Diet is one of two main sources of cholesterol — the other being your liver — so revisiting your dietary choices is a simple way to rebalance cholesterol and/or triglyceride levels.

Aim to reduce your consumption of saturated fats such as red meat and full-fat dairy products, which increase blood levels of LDL cholesterol. Avoid trans fats such as baked goods, fast food, vegetable shortening, and margarine as much as possible.

Healthy foods to load up on include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, poultry, fish, and nuts.

Exercise is another component of managing hyperlipidemia — and of practicing an overall heart-healthy lifestyle. The American Heart Association suggests 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, or about 30 minutes of moderate to intense exercise each day.

If you are just beginning to develop your workout routine, remember that the important thing is to start somewhere, and you can always work your way up to more intense exercise.

If you have unhealthy cholesterol or triglyceride levels, smoking further increases your risk of heart health issues. If you currently smoke, ask your doctor for smoking cessation resources. If you don’t smoke, try to limit your exposure to secondhand smoke.

Medication may be prescribed to improve cholesterol or triglyceride levels if lifestyle changes aren’t sufficient.

The following types of medications are commonly used to lower cholesterol:

Statins such as atorvastatin (Lipitor®) and fluvastatin (Lescol®) act on the liver to prevent cholesterol from forming. They are the most common cholesterol-lowering medication.

The cholesterol absorption inhibitor Ezetimibe (Zetia®) is the most commonly used non-statin cholesterol medication.

ACL inhibitors such as bempedoic acid (Nexletol®) are often taken in combination with statins to further lower cholesterol in individuals with heart disease. These medications target a certain enzyme to block production of cholesterol in the liver.

For a closer look at cholesterol-lowering medication options, read How to Manage High Cholesterol: Diet, Medications, and More.

The following types of medications are commonly used to lower triglyceride levels:

Fibrates such as Gemfibrozil (Lopid®) and Fenofibrate (Antara®, Lofibra®, Tricor®, and Triglide™) - these typically aren’t recommended for those with severe kidney or liver disease

Niacin, a B vitamin that reduces the liver’s production of blood fats

Prescription-strength fish oil formulations such as Lovaza®

At Alto, we make it as simple as possible to stay on top of your cholesterol-lowering medications. 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.

To learn more, reach out any time through secure 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.

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

In vitro fertilization (IVF) has made parenthood a reality for many individuals and couples who once struggled to conceive, but that doesn’t mean it is an easy process. Not only is it challenging on both an emotional and financial level, the fertility medications used in a cycle can affect the body in many ways.

How to Navigate Common IVF Side Effects

Knowing what to anticipate can make the experience easier to navigate. To help you prepare as much as possible for your IVF cycle, we’ve put together a guide to medication side effects and management strategies.

This post is a deep dive into medication side effects. For a closer look at the IVF process and medication sequencing, read:

IVF and Egg Freezing: What to Expect and How to Prepare

IVF Medications: Schedule and Side Effects Explained

Below are the main categories of IVF medications and associated side effects. While individual medication protocols vary, you can generally anticipate the types of medications your doctor will prescribe.

The first phase of IVF focuses on stimulating egg growth. These are some of the medications you may take during this stage:

These medications are typically taken as nightly injections, with the exception of Clomid/Letrozole, which is an oral medication.

Known side effects of these medications include:

Injection site reaction (soreness, redness, or mild bruising)

Mood swings including heightened sensitivity, irritability, euphoria, or depression - individual responses vary

Ovulation suppression medications prevent premature ovulation — the body’s natural release of eggs from the ovaries — so that your doctor can retrieve as many eggs as possible for fertilization. These are some of the medications you may take at this stage:

Cetrotide/Fyramedel™ (ganirelix acetate)

These medications also bring the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). This condition is characterized by swelling and pain in the ovaries as the result of over stimulation or an excessive hormonal response to fertility medications. Many mild cases don’t require treatment, but doctors often recommend the following medications for moderate to severe symptoms. (These medications may also be prescribed to prevent OHSS.)

Cabergoline is an oral medication, sometimes used vaginally, that can reduce OHSS symptoms

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) antagonists or letrozole suppress ovarian activity

In some cases, your doctor may recommend canceling treatment and starting a new cycle in the future after OHSS symptoms have resolved.

Once your eggs have sufficiently developed, your doctor will schedule 1-3 trigger shots to give your eggs a final growth spurt and trigger release.

At this point in your cycle you may feel very full in your abdomen as the ovaries are enlarged from growing follicles.

The final phase of IVF is the transfer of a fertilized egg into your uterus. Progesterone or estrogen supplements are often prescribed at this stage to support successful implantation of an embryo and sustain a healthy pregnancy.

Progesterone is taken as an intramuscular injection or vaginally in the form of suppositories and capsules. Known side effects include:

Soreness or swelling at the site of injection, if taking progesterone injections

Vaginal itching or burning and yeast infection, if taking vaginally

Estrogen is typically taken as a topical patch but can also be taken orally, vaginally, or as an injection. Known side effects include:

Redness or irritation in the skin covered by the patch, if taking topically

Increased vaginal discharge, if taking vaginally

Constipation, bloating, or stomach cramps  

Everyone has a different threshold for pain or discomfort. You know your body best. If anything feels unusual, it’s always worth speaking with your doctor.

Below are effective and safe ways to treat common side effects during IVF. Many over-the-counter products can be added to the next delivery of your fertility medications through Essentials From Alto.

This is one of the most common side effects during IVF, and you should expect to experience some soreness, redness, or bruising at the site of injection. You don’t need to do anything to treat the reaction; it will typically resolve itself within a few days.

Icing your skin beforehand can help keep this side effect to a minimum for intramuscular injections — the deeper of the two injection techniques used during IVF. Be sure to massage your skin afterwards, both to help the medication spread and to prevent soreness in your muscles.

Icing isn’t necessary for subcutaneous injections, the other injection technique.

If you are prescribed estrogen as a topical patch during the final phase of IVF, rotating the location of your patch can help prevent skin irritation.

The patch should be applied to an area of your skin free of powder, lotions, hair, and cuts or other irritations. The most common application sites are the lower abdomen or buttocks.

It's important to let application sites heal as much as possible before reapplying a patch. Aim for at least one week between patch applications.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) is the best way to treat pain during IVF. Avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) during IVF. Their anti-inflammatory properties prevent the ovaries from expanding and growing, essentially canceling out treatment.

Shop acetaminophen through Essentials From Alto.

Eating smaller meals can help reduce bloating. Some individuals also take simethicone (Gas-X®). If you develop acid reflux from bloating, Tums® is safe to take.

Order digestive health products through Essentials From Alto.

Stool softeners like Colace® and the fiber supplement Metamucil® are often used to alleviate constipation. In addition, stay hydrated — drinking more water helps stool softeners work better — and opt for fiber-rich foods.

Heating pads and acetaminophen (Tylenol) are commonly used to alleviate abdominal cramping during IVF. NSAIDs should be avoided.

Pantiliners can help absorb additional vaginal discharge caused by vaginal preparations of estrogen.

Over-the-counter nausea relief options include ginger chews, peppermints, and nausea bracelets. You can also speak with your doctor about your options for prescription nausea medication if symptoms persist.

Some IVF side effects like mood swings and hot flashes occur as the result of hormonal changes, making them harder to treat.

However, if you find that mood changes are interfering with daily activities, speak with your doctor about medication. Many medications for mood disorders are safe to take during IVF. 

Vaginal itching or burning and yeast infection

Some OTC antifungals like Monistat® are helpful for vaginal itching or burning and yeast infections. However, always check with your doctor before using these medications to make sure they’re appropriate for you. You can also ask your doctor about prescription medication options like fluconazole (Diflucan®).

After an initial stroke, 1 in 4 individuals will have another within five years. Medications play an important role in preventing another stroke and treating stroke-related complications, often in tandem with lifestyle changes.

There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment plan. Your doctor may prescribe one or more medications based on the underlying cause of your stroke as well as its impact on your physical and mental health.

Medications Used After a Stroke

After an initial stroke, 1 in 4 individuals will have another within five years. Medications play an important role in preventing another stroke and treating stroke-related complications, often in tandem with lifestyle changes.

There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment plan. Your doctor may prescribe one or more medications based on the underlying cause of your stroke as well as its impact on your physical and mental health.

Here’s what to know about stroke causes and medications commonly prescribed during recovery.

A stroke disrupts the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain, potentially damaging brain tissue. This can lead to impaired speech, impaired cognitive function, memory loss, numbness, and paralysis.

Strokes can be life-threatening, so it’s important to seek immediate medical care if you exhibit signs of a stroke such as the following:

Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg

Sudden confusion or difficulty speaking or understanding speech

Sudden severe headache without another cause

There are two types of strokes, with different underlying causes:

An ischemic stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked, often due to a blood clot or the accumulation of plaque in blood vessels. It is the more common type of stroke. Associated health risk factors include high cholesterol, atrial fibrillation, and diabetes.

A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or ruptures, damaging brain cells as a result. Associated health risk factors include high blood pressure and aneurysms.

Additionally, a transient ischemic attack (TIA) — sometimes referred to as a ministroke — occurs when there is temporarily reduced or blocked blood supply to the brain, often as the result of a blood clot. Unlike ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, a TIA does not result in permanent damage.

Many of the leading risk factors for a stroke are modifiable, including:

Aftercare may include management of these risk factors.

There are a variety of medication classes used during stroke recovery, including the following.

Since high blood pressure is a leading cause of hemorrhagic strokes, stroke recovery may involve the use of several types of blood pressure medications.

Beta blockers cause the heart to beat more slowly and less forcefully, lowering blood pressure. Commonly prescribed beta blockers include atenolol (Tenormin®), bisoprolol (Zebeta®), metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor®), metoprolol succinate (Toprol-XL®), acebutolol (Sectral®), and propranolol (Inderal®).

ACE inhibitors lower blood pressure by blocking production of a hormone called angiotensin II, which causes blood vessels to narrow. Commonly prescribed ACE inhibitors include benazepril (Lotensin®), enalapril (Vasotec®), fosinopril (Monopril®), lisinopril (Prinivil®, Zestril®), and ramipril (Altace®).

Calcium channel blockers prevent calcium from entering the smooth muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels so that the heart beats with less force. Commonly prescribed calcium channel blockers include amlodipine (Norvasc®), diltiazem (Cardizem CD®, Tiazac®), nifedipine (Procardia XL®), and verapamil (Calan SR®, Verelan®).

Diuretics lower blood pressure by helping the body get rid of excess sodium and water, reducing the volume of fluid in blood vessels. Commonly prescribed diuretics include chlorthalidone (Thalitone®, Tenoretic®, and Clorpres®), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril®, Microzide®, and Esidrix®), and indapamide (Lozol®).

Read Common Types of Blood Pressure Medications to learn more about these medications and potential side effects.

Anticoagulants interrupt the body’s natural blood clotting process to prevent new clots from forming and existing ones from growing. The following types of anticoagulants may be prescribed after an initial ischemic stroke.

Warfarin (Coumadin® and Jantoven®) prevents your liver from producing proteins that help form blood clots. It is taken orally as tablets. It has been associated with excessive bleeding in some individuals. Inform your doctor if you have a bleeding disorder so that they can prescribe an alternative.

Direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) directly block the blood’s ability to form new clots. Commonly prescribed DOACs include apixaban (Eliquis®), dabigatran (Pradaxa®), edoxaban (Savaysa®), and rivaroxaban (Xarelto®).

Read How Anticoagulants Prevent Blood Clots From Forming to learn more about these medications and potential side effects.

Like anticoagulants, antiplatelets prevent blood clotting and may be used during recovery from an ischemic stroke. They prevent platelets from coalescing, targeting a particular step in the formation of blood clots. Clopidogrel (Plavix®) is a commonly prescribed antiplatelet during stroke recovery.

Aspirin may also be used for antiplatelet therapy. If you are taking aspirin, avoid taking other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen, as they may interfere with aspirin’s antiplatelet effect.

Atrial fibrillation, or Afib, is a rapid heart rate caused by irregularities in the heart’s upper chambers. It can lead to the accumulation of blood and the formation of blood clots, increasing an individual’s risk for stroke. (Having other conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart failure in addition to Afib may further increase your risk for a stroke.)

There are several medications that may be used to control heart rate and prevent a secondary stroke, including beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and an antiarrhythmic called digoxin (Digox®, Lanoxin®, Digitek®).

Since high cholesterol may be associated with an increased risk for an ischemic stroke or ministroke, statins — a type of cholesterol-lowering medication — may be prescribed during stroke recovery. Statins act on the liver to reduce the amount of cholesterol produced by your body, in turn preventing plaque accumulation.

Commonly prescribed statins include atorvastatin (Lipitor®), fluvastatin (Lescol®), lovastatin (Mevacor®, Altoprev®), pravastatin (Pravachol®), rosuvastatin calcium (Crestor®), and simvastatin (Zocor®).

Read How to Manage High Cholesterol: Diet, Medications, and More to learn more about these medications and potential side effects.

If you have diabetes, your doctor may revisit your diabetes treatment plan after an ischemic stroke. Individuals with type 1 diabetes require insulin every day to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Treatment for type 2 diabetes is more varied and may involve insulin, oral medications such as metform, or a combination of both.

A stroke may lead to the loss of bone density. This can increase an individual’s risk for osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones. After a stroke, your doctor may recommend increasing your intake of calcium and vitamin D — the most important nutrients for bone strength and health — depending on your symptoms.

Treatment for osteoporosis may also include medications such as bisphosphonates, which prevent the loss of bone mass. Commonly prescribed bisphosphonates include alendronate (Fosamax®, Binosto®), ibandronate (Boniva®), risedronate (Actonel®, Atelvia®), and zoledronic acid (Reclast®).

Many individuals experience depression after a stroke, both as a response to the emotional challenges of stroke recovery and due to stroke-induced biochemical changes in the brain.

Medication may be necessary to manage symptoms of depression. There are many types of antidepressants, including:

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine (Prozac®), sertraline (Zoloft®), citalopram (Celexa®), and escitalopram (Lexapro®)

Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine (Cymbalta®), venlafaxine (Effexor®), and desvenlafaxine (Pristiq®)

Atypical antidepressants such as trazodone, mirtazapine (Remeron®), and bupropion (Wellbutrin®)

A psychiatrist can recommend the best option based on your particular symptoms of depression, your overall health history, and other medications you’re taking.

Recovery from a stroke is often a gradual process. In addition to taking medication and practicing a healthy lifestyle, your doctor may also recommend speech therapy, physical therapy, and/or occupational therapy.

It’s important to take care of your emotional and mental health. Speak with your healthcare provider about resources that can support your recovery and help you adjust to the changes a stroke may bring. Individual psychotherapy or support groups can be helpful tools.

At Alto, we make it as simple as possible to 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.

A healthy pregnancy begins well in advance of trying to conceive. Preconception health planning sets you up to feel your best while growing a baby, allowing you to work towards health goals and manage preexisting conditions that could potentially result in complications.

How to Have the Healthiest Pregnancy Possible

It can also help you make any necessary changes to your treatment plan — for example, if you take a medication that is considered unsafe during pregnancy, your doctor can help you safely transition to an alternative.

Below, we break down some of the most important steps to take as you focus on your health and wellness while building or growing your family.

1. Consult your doctor about your health history

As you begin to plan for a baby, schedule a doctor’s appointment to identify any health issues that can impact pregnancy — whether it’s your first, second, third, or fourth.

While chronic health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disease, and asthma are sometimes linked to pregnancy complications, you can prevent health challenges during pregnancy by staying proactive about treatment. For those with diabetes, this means working with your provider to maintain healthy blood sugar levels before trying to conceive. The same goes for hypertension and blood pressure levels.

Read Navigating Pregnancy With Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes

Be sure to discuss any past pregnancy complications, if relevant. Experiencing certain complications in a first pregnancy can increase your risk of having them again in a later pregnancy. These complications include:

This does not mean that a recurrence is inevitable. Proactively managing your risk before and during pregnancy is the most important thing you can do to prevent these complications.

You should also share any health issues that you experienced during postpartum, including mental health challenges.

Changing a medication regimen or treatment plan

A pre-pregnancy care checkup is also an opportunity to discuss potential changes to your treatment plan. Bring all medications you are currently taking with you to this appointment, including vitamins and herbal remedies.

Never stop taking a prescribed medication without first consulting your doctor. Many medications cannot be abruptly discontinued and require you to slowly titrate, or taper off, over a period of time

It is recommended to focus on preconception health at least three months prior to pregnancy. However, everyone has unique health needs, and you may need more time to prepare for a healthy pregnancy. Try, as much as possible, to be patient and give your body the time and space it needs.

2. Get all recommended vaccines and screenings

At the beginning of your family building journey, ask your doctor which vaccines are recommended for your age. Certain infections or illnesses can cause birth defects or pregnancy complications. Many of these can be prevented with vaccines. And since illness-fighting antibodies can pass through the placenta, vaccinated individuals can pass along immunity to their growing baby in the womb.

It’s important to stay up to date since the recommended timing of vaccines varies. Not all can be given during pregnancy while others can. Your doctor can clarify which vaccines are recommended before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and after delivery. (Two of the most important vaccines for pregnant women, the flu vaccine and the Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis), can be safely administered during pregnancy.)

Additionally, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV, HPV, and viral hepatitis can cause pregnancy complications and harm a developing fetus. Fortunately, treatment can prevent transmission to a baby. Screening for these infections is a critical step in planning for a healthy pregnancy.

3. Take steps to live your healthiest life

In the months before trying to conceive, revisit your health habits and make any changes to your routine or lifestyle that can support the healthiest pregnancy possible. There are several key areas to focus on.

Several nutrients are especially important to consume in the months before pregnancy. 

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends taking a prenatal vitamin with at least 400 micrograms of folic acid every day for at least a month before pregnancy through the first trimester. This important nutrient supports a baby’s growth and development and can prevent certain birth defects.

Depending on your health history and previous pregnancies, your provider may advise you to increase your intake of folic acid with an additional supplement.

(You can add prenatal vitamins to your next Alto delivery!)

Calcium helps build a developing fetus’s bones and teeth. Dairy products including milk, cheese, and yogurt are the primary sources of calcium, but you can also get this nutrient from other sources including:

If you are concerned about your calcium intake, ask your doctor about calcium supplements.

Iron also helps support a healthy pregnancy. Some prenatal vitamins include iron. It can also be found in the following iron-rich foods:

In addition, be sure to eat foods that support your body’s absorption of iron, including the following fruits and veggies, which are rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene:

If you have anemia, your doctor may recommend additional iron supplements.

An omega-3 fatty acid called DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid, is important for fetal growth and development. It can be found in some foods such as fatty fish. Depending on your diet, your doctor may recommend taking supplemental DHA before and during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. Some prenatal vitamins contain DHA, but not all, so be sure to check the ingredient list.

Since heavy caffeine consumption can affect fertility, it is recommended to reduce your intake to 200-300 mg per day.

Aim for about 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week, incorporating some muscle-strengthening exercises.

Being underweight or overweight can cause health issues during pregnancy. Try to reach and maintain a healthy weight in the months before trying to conceive. Your provider is an important resource and can advise you on whether your weight may impact your pregnancy.

Smoking, drinking alcohol, and using certain drugs — including misusing prescription medication — can cause serious health issues during pregnancy like preterm birth and birth defects. When planning for a future pregnancy, do not be afraid to ask for any support needed to give up harmful behaviors. Your provider can offer resources. 

It’s also important to avoid secondhand smoke during pregnancy.

Genetics are a factor in your baby’s health and the progression of your pregnancy. Prior to pregnancy, discuss your family’s health history as well as your partner’s with your provider. This allows them to identify any genetic risk factors.

Some couples and individuals may be referred to a genetic specialist for reasons such as the following:

A family history of a genetic condition, birth defect, chromosomal disorder, or cancer

Two or more pregnancy losses or a stillbirth

Having given birth to a child with a genetic condition, birth defect, or intellectual disability

These risk factors do not guarantee that your baby will develop a health condition or that you will have a complicated pregnancy. Genetic testing can determine the likelihood of passing on a genetic issue to a child. A genetic specialist can help you understand your options for testing.

5. Prioritize your partner’s health as well

Preconception health concerns both parents. Male partners should also take steps to become as healthy as possible, which will improve their own reproductive health and fertility. This includes limiting their alcohol intake, quitting smoking or using harmful substances, and eating a healthy diet. (These lifestyle factors have been linked to issues with sperm production.)

Other important steps for male partners to take before trying to conceive include getting screened for STIs and consulting with a provider about family health history and medication use.

Alto Pharmacy can support you in preparing for a healthy pregnancy, however that looks for you. From delivering prenatal vitamins straight to your doorstep, supporting you in managing a chronic condition, or helping you navigate fertility treatment, we make it as simple as possible to focus on your health.

We offer free, same-day delivery and in-app medication management tools like reminders and auto refills. Additionally, our pharmacists are available to answer any questions you may have about medications or side effects.

 Stress doesn’t simply spill into our personal lives, it affects the body in many ways. And it isn’t only short-term ailments like tension headaches or muscle pain to be mindful of — ongoing stress can take a heavy toll on your long-term heart health. In recent years, numerous research studies have found that stress can increase a person’s risk for heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States.

Understanding the Stress-Heart Health Connection

While many people know that high blood pressure, high cholesterol, genetics, and smoking are all key heart disease risk factors, stress isn’t always included in conversations about heart health. As you prioritize a heart-healthy lifestyle, regularly evaluate your stress levels, taking steps to reduce stress and manage it positively when it does arise.

Here’s more on the stress-heart health connection, including coping strategies that will benefit your heart as much as your mind.

Stress triggers physiological changes in the body that can influence heart health. It all starts in the brain. When you encounter a stressful trigger, the amygdala — a portion of the brain responsible for emotional processing — communicates that you are in distress, activating your nervous system.

As part of this process, the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol are released, which can temporarily increase blood pressure and insulin resistance. Sometimes the body’s experience of stress also leads to inflammation in the arteries. Over time this can affect the function of your blood vessels, potentially resulting in atherosclerosis, or the accumulation of plaque in the walls of your arteries.

Less directly, stress has a ripple effect on lifestyle factors related to heart health. Everyone responds to stress in different ways. For some, exercise might be a positive outlet during challenging times. But for others, stress makes it difficult to fit in consistent exercise. (The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week.) And stress frequently goes hand in hand with unhealthy behaviors like smoking and heavy alcohol consumption or other substance use.

Blog

Hyperlipidemia, Explained

How to Navigate Common IVF Side Effects

Medications Used After a Stroke

How to Have the Healthiest Pregnancy Possible

Understanding the Stress-Heart Health Connection

Common Treatments for Allergic Rashes

How to Manage an Overactive or Underactive Thyroid

Meet the Innovation Team Building Alto's Next Big Bets

Endometriosis: A Leading and Treatable Cause of Female Infertility

Understanding the Diabetes-Heart Health Connection

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality at Home

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

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