Medications for the treatment of heart and blood vessel problems continue to improve dramatically. Medication regimens can rapidly become complex and at times confusing. It is important fur you, your primary doctor and your cardiologist to always know exactly what medications you are taking and also the exact dosages.

Bring a complete updated list of medications with you for each appointment. The list should include:

• Your name
• The date
• Any drug allergies
• The names of all your medications
• The frequency with which you are taking the medications (how many times a day)
• The exact dose of the medications you are taking (i.e. 40 mg of Furosemide twice a day)
• A list of over the counter medications (vitamins, Tylenol, etc.)

If you are not sure about any of the above, please bring your bottles with you.
A good way to keep an up-to-date list of medications is on a computer using programs such as Word or Excel. The list can be modified after your physicians make changes. You can always print and take an updated list with you to each of your doctor visits. If you do not have access to or knowledge of computers, often a family member will. Otherwise, a written list is just fine and we can make a photocopy at the time of your office visit.
Refills:

Call your pharmacy when refills are needed and ask them to contact our office via FAX ( 540-361-2927 )
Ask your primary physician to renew your drugs that are not related to your heart or vascular condition.
The cardiologist on call at night and on weekends stays very busy with emergency problems. Please try and avoid asking for refills after office hours. Please try and ask for refills well before you are to run out of your medications.