Star Encourages People To Have A Heart-To-Heart With Their Parents (NAPSA)—Jennie Garth’s former zip code may have been 90210, but the film and TV staris beta blocking agent Coreg (carvedilol) in addition to his other heart failure medications. With the addition of Coreg and an ACEinhibitor just like millions of other Ameri- cans whose loved ones are affected by heart failure. Her father, John, suffers from this serious condition. Like many others who have heart to his treatment, John is now able failure, John wasn’t aware of his condition and wasn’t receiving the optimal therapy for his condition, which includes ACEinhibitors and beta blockers. This is why the Garths are encouraging everyone who maybe at risk for heart failure to look for the signs and symptoms, and if diagnosed, to make sure that they’re educated about the disease and treatment options. Manyof the five million Ameri- cans whosuffer from heart failure are unaware that they haveit. That is because they assume that some of the most common symptoms of heart failure—such as feeling tired and shortness of breath—are signs of “just getting older.” Heart failure is a condition that occurs whenthe heart cannot pump well enough to meet the body’s needs. This is generally because the heart muscle is too weak. Experts report that heart failure is the only major cardiovascular disorder on the rise, with an estimated 400,000 to 700,000 new cases of heart failure diagnosed each year. The good newsis that doctors can do a lot to treat heart failure, enabling patients to live more normal andfulfilling lives. The story of Jennie Garth’s father is a good Jennie and her father, John, who hasheartfailure and is now living a more normal and fulfillinglife. example of how treatmentcan help. “I was very young when my dad had his first heart problems,” Jennie Garth said. “I think I was about ten when he had his first heart attack. What my family and I didn’t realize was thatall of his cardiovascular problems put such a strain on his heart that he later developed heartfailure.” “About a year ago, my heart condition seemed to gradually worsen,” John Garth said. “I was finding it increasingly difficult to do the things I enjoyed—especially on the ranch. I couldn’t ride horses or go campingor hiking, I could barely even walk. I remember I often felt short of breath and congested in mychest.” After his diagnosis with heart failure, John was prescribed the to do moreof the things he enjoys, like taking walks around the ranch and workingon his barn. Coreg is the only beta-blocking medication approved to improve survival for patients with mild, moderate andsevere heart failure. Studies have also shown that Coreg has reduced heart failure hospitalizations. Although it has been confirmed that the combination of betablockers and ACE inhibitors can save lives, nearly 80 percentofeligible heart failure patients don’t receive this combination of drugs. Know the Sgns and Symptoms of Heart Failure: Remember FA.CES. F- Fatigue A- Activities limited C- chest congestion E - Edema or ankle swelling S - Shortness of breath @ If you or a loved one has had a heart attack, had high blood pressure for a long time, or diabetes, you maybeat risk for heart failure and should talk to your doctor. For more information on heart failure and the story of Jennie and John Garth, visit www.coreg.com. wanna nee n eee nnn nee eee eee eee eee eee ee PCa ee nee nee nee eee een eee eee eee eee eee Note to Editors: This document was written and distributed by GlaxoSmithKline. Coreg (carvedilol) is a drug with beta-blocking properties that was approved in the U.S. for mild or moderate heart failure in May 1997. Coreg is also indicated for the treatment of severe heart failure and is the first and only beta-blocking agent proven to both save lives and be well tolerated in these patients. Some commonside effects associated with Coreg include shortness of breath, weight gain, fatigue, dizziness or faintness. Patients taking Coreg who have anyof these symptoms should call their doctor. Additionally, if patients experience fatigue or dizziness, they should sit or lie down and avoid driving or hazardous tasks. As with any medicine, there are some people who should not take Coreg. The people who should not take Coreg include those with severe heart failure who are hospitalized in the intensive care unit. Also, people who require certain intravenous medications to help support their circulation (inotropic medications) should not receive Coreg. Other people who should not take Coreg are those with asthmaor other breathing problems, those with a very slow heartbeat, or heart that skips a beat (irregular heartbeat), those with liver disease or those who areallergic to Coreg. People with diabetes should report any changes in blood sugar levels to their physician. Contact lens wearers may produce less tears or have dry eyes. As with any medicine, patients taking Coreg should also first tell their doctor what other medications they are taking.
