Beyond prescriptions: The critical role of specialized pharmacy in heart care
At the UK Gill Heart and Vascular Institute, clinical pharmacists play a crucial role in managing heart conditions. These professionals work closely with medical teams to determine the best medication therapies, ensuring patients receive optimal treatment.
Gillian Leung, a board-certified cardiology pharmacist, shares insight into her work and how UK HealthCare ensures optimal pharmacy care for all our patients.
Pharmacists in cardiac care
Cardiology pharmacists provide vital information and recommendations to help physicians choose the most effective medications.
Once a treatment plan is established, they educate patients and their families about the benefits, side effects, and proper use of prescribed medications. Their responsibilities extend beyond the clinic, as they also monitor patient responses via telehealth or phone follow-ups.
When a patient is hospitalized, pharmacists are part of the rounding medical team and collaborate with specialists to adjust medications and facilitate recovery.
A unique approach at UK HealthCare
What sets UK HealthCare apart is its specialized cardiology pharmacy team. We have 14 pharmacists dedicated to different subspecialties including but not limited to:
- cardiac intensive care
- advanced heart failure
- electrophysiology
- pulmonary hypertension
- cardio-oncology
Our team offers extensive expertise in managing heart conditions. This structure allows pharmacists to work closely with medical teams in both hospital and clinic settings, ensuring patients receive tailored care.
Common misconceptions about heart medications
Patients often believe they can stop taking medications once they feel better. However, many heart medications, such as those for high blood pressure, are essential even when symptoms are not present. Stopping treatment abruptly can increase the risk of severe complications like heart attacks and strokes.
Another common misunderstanding involves cholesterol-lowering medications. Some patients assume that taking these drugs eliminates the need for a healthy lifestyle. In reality, medication works best when combined with proper diet and exercise. Lifestyle choices remain the most effective way to protect heart health.
Helping patients stay on track
Sticking to a prescribed regimen can be challenging, especially for those with busy lives.
To help patients stay consistent, pharmacists recommend strategies such as automatic prescription refills, pill organizers and phone reminders.
Education also plays a crucial role: when you understand why a medication is necessary, you are more likely to follow the treatment plan.
The impact of lifestyle on medication effectiveness
Medication alone is not always enough to manage heart conditions. Diet, exercise, and lifestyle choices directly influence how well treatments work.
For example, diuretics help remove excess fluid in heart failure patients, but their effectiveness depends on proper fluid and salt intake.
Similarly, structured exercise programs like cardiopulmonary rehabilitation support recovery by strengthening the heart in a monitored environment.
Exciting research and innovations
Ongoing research continues to explore how lifestyle changes enhance heart health. Studies on weight loss medications and behavioral interventions show promising results.
One exciting project at UK HealthCare, the MERIT study, focuses on smoking cessation. Since smoking significantly impacts heart health, researchers are examining ways to help individuals quit successfully through weekly support calls and financial incentives.
