But first…
There are several signs that indicate your heart medication isn’t working as prescribed.
Some of these include:
Now, the usual solution to these problems is to go back to your doctor, get the drug dose adjusted, and then wait and see if your situation improves.
Or, you’re prescribed a new medication, but, again, you have to wait and see if the symptoms go away.
Either way, it’s a long, frustrating game of trial and error that’s both costly and inefficient. It’s also an unnecessary and avoidable strain on your mental and physical health.
A PGx (short for “pharmacogenetics”) test looks at how your specific genetic makeup responds to certain medications.
The test requires a quick and painless swab inside your cheek to collect a sample of your DNA.
That sample is then tested in a lab. The results will show you what kind of "metabolizer" your body is for various drugs.
Depending on the drug and your genes, you could be a poor metabolizer, a normal one, rapid, or ultra-rapid.
These results help your healthcare provider determine which medications will work best for you, making it easier for her to craft an effective health plan that works for your body.
That’s why it’s important to watch for any warning signs that could suggest that your current heart medication—or any medicine, for that matter—isn’t working.
If you’re not experiencing any improvement in your health or you’re feeling worse than before you started your heart medication, consider talking with your healthcare provider about PGx testing.
It's a personalized, precise approach that helps ensure you get the best care for managing your heart health and enhance your general well-being.