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Treatment for high cholesterol varies by individual. While some people are able to manage their cholesterol levels with lifestyle changes like exercise and diet alone, others need medication to lower their risk for heart health issues.

When Is Medication Necessary to Manage Cholesterol?

It’s common to have concerns about beginning treatment with medication, but remember that taking cholesterol-lowering medication is normal: more than 40 million U.S. adults take statins, the first-line medication for high cholesterol. And if you have high cholesterol, the most important thing is working with your doctor to determine what you need to live your healthiest life.

Below, we explain more about different cholesterol treatment options and when it may be necessary to take medication.

Before we dive in, let’s review the basics about cholesterol.

Cholesterol is a lipid — a soft, waxy, fat-like substance that’s found in your bloodstream and in your cells. There are two types: low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). LDL is also called “bad cholesterol” because it can build up on the walls of your blood vessels, increasing your risk of a heart attack or stroke. HDL is considered “good cholesterol” because it can help remove LDL cholesterol from your body. When we say high cholesterol, we are typically referring to a person’s levels of LDL cholesterol.

Triglycerides are another type of lipid that your doctor will monitor. Like LDL cholesterol, they can accumulate in your blood vessels and are associated with heart health issues. Total cholesterol is a measure of all three components: LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.

While the exact definition of “healthy” cholesterol may vary by individual, these are some general guidelines.

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.

It is possible to have high triglycerides without having high LDL cholesterol levels. There are medications that specifically target triglycerides while high-intensity statins can lower both LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. 

Lifestyle changes that support healthy cholesterol levels

The following lifestyle practices can help you manage your cholesterol and triglycerides and are important even for those who take cholesterol-lowering medication.

Regular exercise: Moderate physical activity can help lower LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol. The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, or about 30 minutes of moderate to intense exercise each day.

Diet: Certain types of food can increase your LDL cholesterol. Try to limit your consumption of saturated fats (common sources include red meat and full-fat dairy products) and avoid trans fats, also known as partially hydrogenated oils, as much as possible. On the other hand, unsaturated fats (olive oil, canola oil, and tree nuts); omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, mackerel, herring, and tuna); and soluble fiber (beans, peas, lentils, oats, and whole grains), can support healthy cholesterol levels.

Smoking cessation: If you have high cholesterol, quitting smoking can help lower both your cholesterol levels and your overall risk for heart disease. 

Healthy alcohol consumption: If you drink, limiting your alcohol intake can help you manage your cholesterol, as heavy drinking can increase your cholesterol levels. The CDC recommends two alcoholic drinks per day for men and one for women.

When does a doctor prescribe cholesterol-lowering medication?

High cholesterol is one of the most common risk factors for heart disease. Effective cholesterol treatment can lower your risk for cardiovascular health issues, including a heart attack or stroke.

While statins were once considered exclusively cholesterol-lowering medications, we have learned more about their overall heart health benefits in recent years, and they are increasingly prescribed as a heart disease risk-reducing medication. Your doctor may prescribe a medication from this class even if your overall cholesterol numbers are in a healthy range.

When developing recommendations for cholesterol treatment, your doctor will consider a variety of health factors to assess your overall heart health, including the following.

While the exact definition of “healthy” cholesterol levels may vary by individual, a healthy range for LDL cholesterol is typically considered to be less than 100 mg/dL. If your LDL cholesterol is over 190 mg/dL, your doctor may recommend medication. 

Treatment plans account for other heart disease risk factors in addition to high cholesterol. For example, if you have diabetes — which can double your risk for heart disease and stroke — or another key risk factor, you may need to supplement lifestyle changes with medication even if your cholesterol is below the 190 mg/dL threshold.

There are a variety of causes of high cholesterol, including lifestyle and health factors as well as genetics. People with a family history of high cholesterol often need medication, since lifestyle changes alone are less likely to lower cholesterol levels.

When making recommendations for treatment, your doctor may use a tool called a cardiac risk calculator, which assesses your chances of developing heart health issues based on your personal health history. Those with a higher score may be more likely to need cholesterol-lowering medication. 

Is medication always a first-line treatment?

In some cases, a doctor will recommend cholesterol-lowering medication after first exploring lifestyle changes. Other times, medication is the best option for first-line treatment based on an individual’s health history and risk for heart disease. If your provider decides to start treatment with medication first, it doesn’t mean that you have failed to take care of your health on your own. Rather, it gives you an opportunity to keep your heart as strong as possible. 

How will my doctor pick the right medication for me?

Treatment for high cholesterol and/or triglycerides varies by individual, and there is no one best medication. Your doctor will consider several factors when recommending a medication, including:

Your overall heart health and risk for cardiovascular issues

Other medications you take and potential interactions or side effects

The medication’s lowest effective dose — higher-intensity statins can reduce lipid levels at a lower dose than other medications

Whether you’re targeting LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, or both

There are a variety of medications for high LDL cholesterol and/or triglycerides, and it may take time for you and your doctor to determine the best treatment for your needs. Keep in mind that each person’s response to medication is unique. If you know someone who had side effects from one medication, it doesn’t mean that you will have the same experience.

What if my cholesterol medication causes side effects?

Like most medications, many commonly prescribed cholesterol-lowering medications have the potential for side effects. They are typically mild. Fortunately, there are a variety of medication options to consider. Remember, too, that in most cases, the benefits of a cholesterol medication far outweigh the potential risks.

Statins, the most common cholesterol medication, are often the starting point of cholesterol treatment with medication. Commonly prescribed statins include:

A small percentage of people who take statins experience muscle aches and elevated liver enzymes, two of the most common side effects. There are many alternatives for those who can’t take statins, including the following:

Ezetimibe (Zetia®), a cholesterol absorption inhibitor and the most commonly used non-statin cholesterol medication

PCSK9 inhibitors such as alirocumab (Praluent®) and evolocumab (Repatha®) - administered as injections every 2-4 weeks

Fibrates such as gemfibrozil (Lopid®) and fenofibrate (Antara®, Lofibra®, Tricor®, and Triglide®) specifically target high triglycerides and are often used to lower triglyceride levels.

Will I need to take medication for the rest of my life?

This also varies by individual. Some people with high cholesterol need to take medication for the rest of their life. Others transition off of their medication if they have achieved healthy cholesterol levels and their doctor recommends a new treatment plan. Never stop taking medication without consulting your provider.

At Alto, we make it as simple as possible to stay on top of your cholesterol-lowering medications. We offer same-day delivery and medication management tools like reminders and auto refills in our app. And our expert pharmacists are always just a message away!

To learn more, reach out via in-app messaging.

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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

Nearly half of all US adults have high blood pressure, a key risk factor in the development of heart disease. While high blood pressure, or hypertension, is manageable, only 24% of those with the condition have it under control, and many people who could benefit from medication aren’t receiving the treatment they need.

When is Medication Necessary to Manage Blood Pressure?

If your doctor has recommended blood pressure medication, you may have concerns about beginning this treatment approach rather than focusing on lifestyle changes alone. Keep in mind that, unlike age or genetics, high blood pressure is a heart disease risk factor you have some control over. It’s important to take whatever steps you can to strengthen your heart health and prevent heart attacks and stroke. Depending on your blood pressure readings and overall health history, this may include taking hypertension medication.

Below, we explain more about treatment options for high blood pressure and when it may be necessary to take medication.

Blood pressure is the force your heart uses to pump oxygen-rich blood and deliver it to organs and tissues throughout your body. Healthy blood pressure is critical to many areas of your health. It keeps the heart from working too hard and supports healthy kidney function, allowing your kidneys to remove excess fluid and toxins from your body.

A blood pressure reading has two components: systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Systolic blood pressure is the force of blood flowing out of your heart and into your arteries.

Diastolic blood pressure is the force created when your heart fills with blood while resting between beats.

Blood pressure readings present your systolic blood pressure over your diastolic blood pressure. High blood pressure is defined as a blood pressure reading that is consistently higher than 130 over 80 mm Hg. More severe high blood pressure, also referred to as stage 2 hypertension, is defined as a reading of 140+ over 90+ mm Hg.

High blood pressure affects your body in many ways. It causes the heart to work harder, stretching or harming blood vessels and accelerating the accumulation of plaque in your arteries. Over time, this may lead to heart disease, heart attack, or stroke.

It can also damage other important organs:

Narrowed or blocked arteries can block blood flow to the brain.

Narrowed or blocked blood vessels prevent the kidneys from performing key functions such as filtering blood or regulating blood pressure.

Damaged blood vessels in the retina can lead to eye disease or loss of vision.

Lifestyle changes that may lower blood pressure

Treatment for high blood pressure includes both lifestyle changes and medications. The following habits and practices are an important component of managing high blood pressure even if you take blood pressure medication.

Diet: The American Heart Association recommends limiting your daily sodium intake to 1,500 mg, as high sodium consumption can increase blood pressure. Processed or prepackaged foods are common sources of sodium, in addition to salt. On the other hand, be sure to incorporate fruits, vegetables, fish, and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids into your meal planning.

Regular exercise: Moderate physical activity can also support healthy blood pressure. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, or about 30 minutes each day.

Stress management: Though research on the long-term relationship between stress and hypertension isn’t definitive, we know that adrenaline and cortisol — the hormones released when the body experiences stress — can increase your heartbeat and narrow your blood vessels. Focus on positive ways to prevent or reduce stress, including exercise and mindfulness practices.

Smoking cessation: Quitting smoking can help lower your blood pressure and your overall risk for heart disease. 

Moderate alcohol consumption: Heavy drinking is associated with high blood pressure. The CDC recommends limiting alcohol intake to two alcoholic drinks per day for men and one for women.

When does a doctor prescribe blood pressure medication?

When developing hypertension treatment recommendations, your doctor will look at the whole picture of your health — specifically your risk for heart disease — not just your blood pressure. The higher your overall risk for heart health issues, the more likely you are to benefit from blood pressure medication.

These are some of the health factors your doctor will consider:

Other health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol

In some cases, your doctor may prescribe hypertension medication after first exploring lifestyle changes. However, if you have very high blood pressure, medication may be necessary as a first-line treatment.

What are the most common blood pressure medications?

There are a variety of physiological approaches to lowering blood pressure, and different blood pressure medications function differently. They may:

Block nerve activity to prevent blood vessels from constricting

These are some commonly prescribed classes of blood pressure medications.

Diuretics help 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®)

ACE inhibitors block production of a hormone called angiotensin II, which causes blood vessels to narrow. These medications expand constricted blood vessels so that more blood can flow through. Commonly prescribed ACE inhibitors include:

Like ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) target the hormone angiotensin II to prevent blood vessels from narrowing. Commonly prescribed ARBs include:

Calcium channel blockers prevent calcium from entering the smooth muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels, helping the heart beat with less force. Commonly prescribed calcium channel blockers include:

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

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

Beta blockers cause the heart to beat less forcefully while opening up the veins and arteries. Commonly prescribed beta blockers include:

When the above medications aren’t effective at lowering high blood pressure, a doctor may prescribe other types of medications, including alpha blockers, alpha-beta blockers, and vasodilators.

How will my doctor pick the right blood pressure medication for me?

Blood pressure management varies by individual, and there is no one best medication. Your doctor will consider several factors when recommending a medication, including:

Other medications you take and potential interactions

High blood pressure frequently intersects with other health conditions, including kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes, and heart failure, so your doctor may recommend a treatment approach that targets several conditions at once. This may mean taking more than one blood pressure medication.

There are a variety of blood pressure medications, and it may take time for you and your doctor to determine the best treatment for your needs.

What if my medication causes side effects?

Like most medications, many common blood pressure medications have the potential for side effects. For example, diuretics have been associated with thirst, dehydration, and decreased potassium levels.

The good news is that with the variety of medications to consider, you have other options if you have a negative response to any single medication. Remember, too, that in many cases, the benefits of a blood pressure medication outweigh the potential risks or possibility of side effects.

At Alto, we make it as simple as possible to stay on top of your blood pressure-lowering medications. We offer same-day delivery and medication management tools like reminders and auto refills in our app. And our expert pharmacists are always just a message away!

A diagnosis of type 1 diabetes is the beginning of a lifelong health journey, and it may feel overwhelming. If you or your child has received a diagnosis, one of the best things you can do as a next step is to educate yourself about the condition. To make sure you have the information you need, we’ve debunked common myths about type 1 diabetes.

Five Misconceptions About Type 1 Diabetes

Myth: Type 1 diabetes is only diagnosed in childhood.

Type 1 diabetes was once referred to as juvenile diabetes, and it’s true that it’s most commonly diagnosed during childhood or adolescence. However, a diagnosis can come at any age, and symptoms may first develop in adulthood.

It can be difficult to identify type 1 diabetes in adults, as early symptoms often develop rapidly and can be mistaken as illness. Here are some common signs to watch for:

Other symptoms include drowsiness, vision changes, difficulty breathing, and loss of consciousness.

Undiagnosed diabetes can lead to life-threatening complications. If you experience any of the symptoms above, speak with your provider about an evaluation for a potential diagnosis.

Myth: It can be reversed with lifestyle changes.

Type 2 diabetes, the more common of the two main types of diabetes, develops gradually as the result of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. This is not the case with type 1. While the exact causes of type 1 diabetes aren’t entirely understood, it is considered an autoimmune condition, which means that a person’s immune system mistakenly attacks their own tissues and organs.

In type 1 diabetes, the body attacks the pancreas, destroying its ability to produce insulin. As a result, people with type 1 diabetes need insulin every day. (This is another important distinction between the two types of diabetes — type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance, meaning that the pancreas produces some insulin, but cells don’t respond normally to it.)

Many autoimmune disorders run in families, and type 1 diabetes is thought to have a genetic component. Having a parent or sibling with the condition may increase a person’s risk for developing it.

Myth: If you have type 1 diabetes, you can’t eat sugar.

A common myth about both type 1 and type 2 diabetes is that they’re caused by sugar. This is not true, and people with either type of diabetes can indeed consume sugar.

That said, managing blood sugar is one of the most important aspects of diabetes treatment, and diet can significantly affect a person’s blood sugar levels. Carbohydrates increase blood sugar levels more than any other nutrient. Since daily insulin dosages are based on daily insulin-to-carb ratios, people with diabetes need to monitor their carb intake.

This doesn’t mean that you have to avoid carbohydrates altogether, but rather that you need to plan ahead and maintain a balanced diet. You should still be able to eat a variety of foods so long as you plan meals carefully and spread your carbohydrate intake throughout the day.

Myth: You can’t lead an active life with type 1 diabetes.

Quite the opposite! In fact, regular physical activity is as important for people with diabetes as it is for anyone else. However, there are extra fitness-related considerations to account for when you have diabetes.

Exercise is another factor in blood sugar levels, and some people experience decreased blood sugar during or after exercise. A variety of factors can affect your blood sugar response to exercise, including:

Your blood sugar levels prior to exercise

To exercise safely as a person with diabetes, check your blood sugar before, during, and after exercise, and be prepared to treat low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia.

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

Consuming the following items may help raise your blood sugar:

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

Myth: Treatment stays the same throughout a person’s life.

While treatment for type 1 diabetes isn’t as varied as treatment for type 2 diabetes, and everyone with type 1 diabetes needs insulin therapy, a person’s insulin needs will likely change throughout their life.

The physical changes caused by puberty and pregnancy often lead to evolving diabetes treatment needs, including different blood sugar targets and insulin dosages. Plus, as you learn more about diabetes and become more familiar with your body’s needs, you may find that you have a different experience of living with the condition.

Given the complexities of diabetes management, it’s important to regularly see an endocrinologist who can evaluate your insulin needs and the effectiveness of your treatment plan.

Alto is with you every step of the way in managing your or your child’s diabetes. We make it simple to follow the treatment plan your doctor recommends, with proper packaging of temperature-controlled medications and same-day delivery right to your doorstep.

We also provide personalized support via in-app messaging. If you have questions about insulin therapy, side effects, insurance terminology, or anything else related to diabetes treatment, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Diabetes is a complex and often misunderstood condition. One of the most important things you can do to manage or prevent it is to educate yourself about the facts. To help, we’ve debunked five common myths about type 2 diabetes and prediabetes.

Debunking Common Misconceptions About Type 2 Diabetes

Myth: Weight is the main risk factor for type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes, the more common of the two main types of diabetes, develops gradually as the result of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. (Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that most commonly develops in childhood.) Obesity is one of the type 2 diabetes risk factors that many people are familiar with, and there are several misconceptions about the relationship between diabetes and weight.

While being overweight or obese may increase a person’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes, it is not the only risk factor. Frequency of physical activity, genetics, and age are also contributing factors. Many people who are overweight or obese do not develop diabetes, and people who are at a healthy weight may develop the condition.

Diabetes is characterized by elevated levels of blood sugar, or glucose, a source of energy that carbohydrates are converted into during the process of digestion. This often leads to the misconception that eating sugar can directly cause diabetes, which is not the case.

Still, if you have prediabetes, it is often recommended to consume soda, sports drinks, and other sweetened or sugary beverages in moderation, as they do not contain any fat or protein to balance their carbohydrate content.

Myth: People with diabetes have to eat a special diet

Any time you digest carbohydrates, in the form of food or drinks, your body turns those carbs into glucose, causing your blood sugar levels to rise. For those without diabetes, the body’s natural insulin response helps to balance blood sugar levels. However, for those with diabetes, insulin resistance keeps blood sugar at a higher level.

For this reason, it is important that individuals with both prediabetes and type 2 diabetes are mindful of their carbohydrate intake. However, this doesn’t mean that you cannot consume bread, potatoes, pasta, or other foods that are high in carbs. Recent studies have found that eating a diet with a good balance of carbs, protein, and fat can help with blood sugar management.

If you have prediabetes or diabetes, work with your provider to develop a healthy, balanced meal plan that you can consistently follow.

1 in 3 U.S. adults have prediabetes, a health condition defined by higher than normal blood sugar levels that often precedes type 2 diabetes. If left untreated, prediabetes can lead to serious complications like heart disease and kidney damage.

While prediabetes is serious, it doesn’t need to result in diabetes. If you’ve received a diagnosis of prediabetes, work with your provider to prevent it from progressing into type 2 diabetes. Depending on your health history, that might mean increasing your physical activity, quitting smoking, or controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Myth: Taking insulin means you’re not managing your diabetes well

People with type 1 diabetes cannot produce any insulin on their own and rely on insulin therapy every day to maintain balanced blood sugar levels. Treatment is more varied for type 2 diabetes, which is characterized by insulin resistance.

Some people with type 2 diabetes are able to manage their condition with lifestyle changes alone while others need to take oral diabetes medications like metformin or insulin.

If you have type 2 diabetes and your doctor recommends adding insulin therapy to your treatment plan, it does not mean you haven’t done a good job of managing your blood sugar. An individual’s type 2 diabetes treatment needs may change with time; the condition is progressive for many, and often, the body gradually becomes less able to produce insulin on its own. 

We’re specialists in treatment for type 2 diabetes, and whether you’re beginning oral medications or transitioning to insulin, Alto’s pharmacists are here to support you on your health journey.

Additionally, we make it as simple as possible to stay on track with treatment, with free, same-day delivery right to your doorstep, temperature controlled packaging, and savings investigations.

Reach out via phone at 1-800-874-5881 or in-app messaging to learn how Alto can be a partner in your diabetes care.

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.

Blog

When Is Medication Necessary to Manage Cholesterol?

When is Medication Necessary to Manage Blood Pressure?

Five Misconceptions About Type 1 Diabetes

Debunking Common Misconceptions About Type 2 Diabetes

Medications Used After a Stroke

How to Have the Healthiest Pregnancy Possible

Understanding the Diabetes-Heart Health Connection

Navigating a Diagnosis of Prediabetes

How Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Affects Fertility

Navigating Pregnancy With Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes

Cardiomyopathy, Explained

What is an autoimmune disease?

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