Heart Medication

Cardiovascular Conditions & Heart Medications

There are many illnesses related to heart conditions, and each requires different treatments. Treatments may include medications, lifestyle changes, stents, surgery, pacemakers, and ablation.

Common Heart illnesses and Treatments

Coronary Artery or Heart Disease

Coronary artery disease is a collection of conditions and diseases that affect the heart. These conditions include blood clots, structural problems, and diseased vessels. Treatments may include medications, angioplasty, surgery, and lifestyle changes.

High Blood Pressure

This is a condition where the blood flowing through your vessels is too high. Treatment may require eating healthier while reducing your salt intake, taking blood pressure medication, and exercising.

Congestive Heart Failure

A chronic condition where your heart cannot pump blood as it should. Treatments may include limiting fluids, reducing salt intake, taking medications, and sometimes, implanting a pacemaker or defibrillator.

Arrhythmia

An arrhythmia occurs with an irregular heartbeat, either irregular, too slow, or too fast. Treatment includes taking anti-arrhythmic drugs or undergoing medical procedures like implanting devices or surgery.

Peripheral Artery Disease

This is a circulatory condition where blood vessels are narrowed and reduce blood flow. Treatments include a healthy diet, exercise, quitting smoking, medications, or surgery.

Stroke

A medical emergency in which the blood supply to the brain is interrupted. Medications like clot busters can help reduce brain damage. Other treatments include medications.

Congenital Heart Disease

Congenital heart disease is heart abnormalities that develop before birth. Treatment includes medication to control heart rate and lower blood pressure, catheter procedures, heart device implants, and surgery. More serious cases can require a heart transplant.

Medications For Heart Problems

Thanks to research and technology, physicians now have many medications they can prescribe to help patients battle heart issues. The following are the most common heart medications available today.

Statins that Helps Lower Bad (LDL) Cholesterol

Statins came out in 1987, and today there are seven different types prescribed depending on your needs. These medications help lower your bad cholesterol, known as LDL, by 20% to 60% and reduce inflammation. Statin medication should be taken by those who had a stroke, heart attack, stents, diabetes, or bypass surgery. Even if you don’t have heart disease but have high LDL levels, it is recommended that you take statins.

Aspirin that Helps Prevent Blood Clots

While aspirin has been around for a while, in the 1960s it was discovered to have cardiovascular benefits. Taking aspirin daily can help keep your arteries open as they contain anti-platelet and anti-clogging properties. Heart patients should take 81 mg per day, which is equal to one baby aspirin.

Clopidogrel that Helps Prevent Blood Clots

This medication is also known as a “super aspirin” since it effectively prevents platelet clumping. Because this drug poses an increased risk of heavy bleeding, doctors have to weigh the risks versus the benefits. For those who have a stent, this drug, in combination with aspirin, prevents clotting. It is also used for patients who suffer from angina.

Warfarin that Helps Prevent Blood Clots

This drug works even better than clopidogrel and aspirin to prevent clotting. It works as a blood thinner or anticoagulant used in the past to stop clots from forming for those who have an artificial heart valve, atrial fibrillation, or blood clots in the legs.

Beta-Blockers that Help Treat Heart Failure, Heart Attacks, and In Some Cases, Lower Blood Pressure

Beta-blockers block adrenaline effects caused by stress. They are usually prescribed to treat the following conditions:

• Heart attack
• Angina
• Abnormal heart rhythms
• Congestive heart failure

ACE Inhibitors Help Lower Blood Pressure and Treat Heart Failure

ACE is an acronym for angiotensin-converting enzymes. These inhibitors prevent the production of angiotensin, which is an artery-constricting hormone. It relaxes the arteries, which results in lower blood pressure. They are usually prescribed to those who had a recent heart attack or those with hypertension or congestive heart failure.