Heart disease annual review

Annual Review for Heart Disease: Blood Pressure, Blood Test, ACR Urine Test, and Medication Review

As part of your annual review for heart disease, you will undergo several important tests and a medication review to ensure your treatment is effective and appropriate. The key components of your review will include:

1. Blood Test: This will help check for markers related to heart health, kidney function, and other factors that may affect your condition.

2. Blood Pressure Check: Regular monitoring of your blood pressure is vital in managing heart disease. A healthy blood pressure is crucial for reducing the risk of complications.

3. ACR Urine Test: This test checks for protein in your urine, which may indicate kidney damage, a potential issue in patients with heart disease.

4. Medication Review: Your healthcare team will review the medications you are currently taking to ensure they are working effectively and to make adjustments if necessary. Pharmacists offer this service at Emsworth medical practice.

How to Collect Your Urine Sample for the ACR Test:

• Use a white-top container: A sterile, white-top container will be provided for your urine sample. Ensure it is sealed properly before use.

• First Catch of the Day: For the most accurate result, collect your urine sample first thing in the morning, immediately after your first urination of the day. This sample will be more concentrated and will provide the best information for the test.

• Instructions for Collection:

  1. Clean your hands thoroughly with soap and water before collecting the sample.
  2. Collect the middle portion of your urine stream in the white-top container after your first urination of the day.
  3. Close the container tightly and ensure it is labelled correctly (follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider).
  4. Return the sample to your healthcare provider or laboratory as soon as possible.

Common Medications for Heart Disease:

During your annual review, your doctor will review the medications you are taking.

The main types of medications used to treat heart disease include those listed below.

This list is intended to help you understand what the medications are for and what monitoring may be required. 

You may be taking all of them or only one medication for your condition, please do not worry as it is not expected that you should be taking all of them.

1. Statins (e.g., Atorvastatin, Simvastatin):

   • Function: These medications lower cholesterol levels in the blood, helping to prevent the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
   • Monitoring: Regular blood tests are required to monitor liver function and cholesterol levels.

2. Antiplatelet Drugs (e.g., Aspirin, Clopidogrel):

   • Function: These medications reduce the risk of blood clots forming in the arteries, which can block blood flow and lead to heart attacks.
   • Monitoring: Your doctor will monitor your bleeding risk and may check platelet counts as needed.

3. Beta-Blockers (e.g., Bisoprolol, Atenolol):

   • Function: These medications help lower blood pressure and heart rate, reducing the strain on your heart and improving its ability to pump blood.
   • Monitoring: Blood pressure and heart rate are regularly checked to ensure the medication is effective and safe.

4. ACE Inhibitors / Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs) (e.g., Ramipril, Losartan):

   • Function: These medications help relax blood vessels, lowering blood pressure and reducing the workload on the heart. They are often used in patients with heart failure.
   • Monitoring: Kidney function and blood pressure are regularly monitored, as these medications can affect both.

5. Diuretics (e.g., Furosemide, Bendroflumethiazide):

   • Function: Diuretics help the body eliminate excess fluid, which can reduce swelling and improve symptoms of heart failure.
   • Monitoring: Kidney function, electrolyte levels (such as potassium), and blood pressure need to be monitored regularly.

6. Angiotensin Receptor-Neprilysin Inhibitors (ARNIs) (e.g., Sacubitril/Valsartan):

   • Function: These medications are used to treat heart failure by improving heart function and reducing fluid buildup.
   • Monitoring: Kidney function, blood pressure, and potassium levels are monitored.

Medication Review:

During your annual review, your pharmacist or doctor will discuss your current medications to:

• Ensure their effectiveness in managing your heart condition.
• Check for side effects or any issues that might require a change in medication.
• Make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan based on your current health, test results, and symptoms.

You may also be prescribed additional medications based on any other health conditions you have, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, that may impact your heart disease.

Important Monitoring:

• Your healthcare team will guide you on how often you need blood tests, blood pressure checks, and other follow-up assessments. Regular monitoring is essential to ensure the effectiveness of your treatment and to prevent complications.

If you have any questions or concerns about your medications or the tests required for your annual review, please econsult  us to request more information.

We are here to help you understand your treatment plan and make sure you’re receiving the best care possible.