5 Ways Pharmacists Can Help You Manage Heart Health
February 25, 2026
February is American Heart Month, a time to take a closer look at your heart health and start healthy habits that keep your heart strong. Often, discussions of heart health include topics like eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly, but for those who already have heart conditions, medication often plays a big role in heart health. Pharmacists can counsel patients on their heart health goals and can manage medication for those with heart conditions. Here are 5 ways pharmacists can help you improve your heart health.
1. Heart Medication Management and Education
Whether you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, coronary artery disease (CAD), or another heart condition you take medication to treat, pharmacists can help you understand your medications. Taking heart medications exactly as directed is essential, yet it can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when multiple prescriptions are involved. Pharmacists can educate you on taking your medications correctly, what side effects to look out for, and how to manage complicated medication schedules. Pharmacists can offer solutions like medication reminders and other adherence tools, and they can provide information on other medications you might be interested in.
2. Heart Medication Safety
Heart conditions can often have serious consequences, making the medications used to treat them extremely important. Pharmacists play a key role in your medication safety. Your pharmacist will review your full medication list to check for potential adverse interactions, including potential issues with over-the-counter products and supplements. They can also discuss any side effects or adverse reactions you might be experiencing. If you’re experiencing unwanted side effects, pharmacists can help you communicate concerns to your prescriber or make a plan to stop the medication if necessary.
Your pharmacist can also make sure you are accessing medications safely. Some patients might find their medications listed very cheaply online, but what looks like a deal might be a dangerous scam. Check with your pharmacist and use our Safe Site Search Tool before buying medications online.
3. Health Monitoring Through Screenings
Beyond medication support, pharmacists play an important role in preventive care. Many pharmacies provide blood pressure monitoring, which helps identify elevated readings early and track how well treatment plans are working over time. Some pharmacies provide additional health screenings such as cholesterol checks, blood glucose testing, and cardiovascular risk assessments. These services can help patients better understand their risk factors and make informed decisions about lifestyle changes or follow-up care.
After screening, pharmacists can then help connect patients with their health care providers to review their results. Regular monitoring can catch potential problems before they become serious and give patients feedback between doctor visits.
4. GLP-1 Counseling
Patients with obesity or diabetes often have a higher risk of heart disease. GLP-1 medications to treat diabetes and obesity, like Ozempic and Wegovy, are now linked to a reduction in heart disease risk and have been approved for certain patients with heart disease. Pharmacists can answer your questions about GLP-1 use, including how to manage any side effects. They can also communicate with your prescriber about starting or stopping the medication or changing your dose.
5. Lifestyle and Vaccine Support
Along with educating patients to lead heart-healthy lifestyles through diet and exercise, pharmacists can provide other tools to stay heart-healthy. Smoking is a major cause of heart disease, responsible for 1 in 4 cardiovascular disease deaths. Pharmacists can provide smoking cessation medications, as well as counseling on how to quit. After quitting, your heart disease risk drops sharply in just 1 to 2 years.
Certain illnesses can increase your risk of a cardiac event, especially if you already have heart disease. Getting vaccinated can help reduce your risk. Ask your pharmacist if you are up to date on vaccines you might need and what vaccines are recommended for patients with heart disease.
American Heart Month is a great reminder to keep your heart health in check, but continually keeping your heart healthy is a year-round commitment. By partnering with your pharmacist and staying informed about your medications and overall care plan, you can take confident steps toward protecting your heart and improving your quality of life. Find more information about how pharmacists can help you on our website.