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Having trouble remembering your heart meds?

Heart medicines—like cholesterol-lowering statins and blood pressure drugs—work best when you remember to take them like clockwork. If you're having trouble keeping track, try one or more of these tips.

6 ways to remember your heart medicines

Take them at the same time each day.
Make them part of a daily routine, like brushing your teeth.
Use a pill organizer with sections for days of the week and times of day.
Use a medicine calendar and check off each dose.
Use a pill bottle cap with a built-in timer.
Set an alarm on your smartphone or watch.

If you've already had a heart attack, read about steps you can take to prevent a second one.

Reviewed 4/23/2025

Sources

American Heart Association. "Cholesterol Medications." https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/prevention-and-treatment-of-high-cholesterol-hyperlipidemia/cholesterol-medications.
American Heart Association. "Taking Control of Your Medicines." https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cardiac-rehab/managing-your-medicines/taking-control-of-your-medicines.
American Heart Association. "Types of Heart Medication." https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/treatment-of-a-heart-attack/cardiac-medications.
NCQA. "Statin Therapy for Patients with Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes (SPC/SPD)." https://www.ncqa.org/hedis/measures/statin-therapy-for-patients-with-cardiovascular-disease-and-diabetes/.