Introduction

The heart is a vital organ of the body that literally keeps you alive. But several factors, such as lifestyle, comorbidities and genetic predisposition, can put your heart health in jeopardy. Risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, ageing, and lack of exercise can increase the risk of cardiovascular disorders. An article published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology stated that deaths due to cardiovascular diseases have been on the rise in South Asia. In 2021, the mortality rate increased from 248.6 to 350.9 per 100,000 persons.

Irrespective of their age, people should take care of their heart health. Those who have already been diagnosed with a heart-related ailment must follow the treatment plan and lifestyle changes as advised by their doctors. Treatment for heart diseases can be expensive, and medicines for heart patients are usually advised for the long term. 

 So, people often ask their doctors what can help to cut down on their heart treatment costs.

Let us continue reading to find out if there is any viable solution.

How to Manage Heart Diseases Easily 

Every person with heart disease should follow the treatment, diet and lifestyle changes as advised by their cardiologist/treating doctor. Listed below are some general tips that may help people improve their heart health. 

• Devote 30-60 minutes of your time daily to physical activity (if allowed by your doctor).
• Consume a heart-healthy diet comprising whole grains, lean protein, low-fat dairy products, healthy fats such as avocado, nuts and olive oil and plenty of vegetables and fruits.
• Quit smoking because it increases the risk of blood clots, high blood pressure and more.
• Track and manage your weight by taking your BMI into consideration.
• Manage stress by practising yoga, meditation and mindfulness.
• Follow up with your screening tests and follow up regularly with a doctor.

Book a heart health checkup from the comfort of your home.

Common Mistakes People Make While Managing Heart Diseases

• Not sticking with your healthy habits after gaining stability in treatment.
• Ignoring other health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure or high triglycerides.
• Skipping the doses of your prescribed medicines for heart health. You can use a reminder on your smartphone to help manage this.
• Stopping your medication without consulting your doctor.
• The habit of consuming alcohol, smoking, and chewing tobacco. 

Failing to address the above mistakes can contribute to your existing health woes.

The Problem: Managing Heart Diseases Comes At A Cost

It has been found that those who suffer from heart disorders have to spend a significant sum of money on medicines and screenings monthly as compared to those with healthy hearts. 

So, the question then arises, ‘Do we always have to pay so much for heart health medications?’

There are various kinds of medicines available to treat different heart diseases. All these medicines are priced differently depending on whether they are branded or generic.

The Solution: Generic Alternates Can Help Bring Down Your Overall Medical Costs

Yes, it’s possible. 

But, What Are Generic Alternates?

Many people question the safety of generic alternates due to a lack of complete information. In reality, generic alternates are made of the same active ingredients that are found in the branded ones.

• They are of the exact same composition.
• They have the same medicinal outcome.
• They share similarities with respect to administration, dose, strength and intended use.

Are Generic Alternates Cheaper?

When a new medicine is launched into the pharmaceutical market, the manufacturing is protected under a patent as per copyright laws. Once the patent has expired, other pharma companies can make generic variants, keeping the formulation at the core exactly the same. The reason that makes generic alternates cheaper as compared to branded ones is that there are no further expenses involved with respect to conducting clinical trials. The formulation has already been tried and tested, so this is why generic alternates are affordably priced.

Also Read: Cough Syrups In India

How to save money on heart disease medicines

• You can speak to your doctor about purchasing generic alternates that are equally effective and way more affordable.
• You can decide to buy generic alternates for the prescribed medicines. You can look up high-quality medicines for heart diseases on the PharmEasy app or website.
• There are often discounts available, and you can compare the generic and branded ones and then purchase the medicines which seem the most affordable to you

How to save money on heart disease supplies

• While purchasing your heart-care supplies, such as blood pressure monitors, oximeters, etc, remember to compare the prices and discounts being offered.
  
  Looking for essentials to take care of your heart health? Click here

Conclusion

Maintaining a healthy heart is key to a long and happy life. The expense of treatment for heart disease can add to the financial strain. By following a holistic heart disease management plan that includes healthy lifestyle habits, you can lower your risk of further complications and, hence, your treatment costs.

Another viable way to cut down on monthly medical expenditure is by switching to generic medicines. These medicines are as safe and effective as branded ones. Speak to your doctor about the same.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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