Managing Cardiac Disease
Welcome to our guide to cardiac medications. Here, you will find valuable information about various medications used to treat heart conditions, how they work, and their benefits. Many heart conditions can be effectively treated with medication.
We will help you understand which medications can help you manage your heart health more effectively. We can also discuss lifestyle improvements which may reduce the need for medication.
Example: Lisinopril, Enalapril
How They Work: ACE inhibitors relax blood vessels by blocking the formation of a natural chemical that narrows blood vessels. This reduces blood pressure and decreases the workload on the heart.
Uses: Hypertension (high blood pressure), heart failure, post-heart attack.
Example: Bisoprolol, Atenolol
How They Work: Beta-blockers reduce the heart rate and the heart’s output of blood, which lowers blood pressure. They block the effects of adrenaline on the heart.
Uses: Hypertension, angina, arrhythmias, heart failure, post-heart attack.
Example: Amlodipine, Diltiazem
How They Work: These medications prevent calcium from entering the cells of the heart and blood vessel walls, leading to relaxed blood vessels and lower blood pressure.
Uses: Hypertension, angina, certain arrhythmias.
Example: Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide
How They Work: Diuretics help the kidneys remove excess sodium and water from the body, which reduces blood volume and lowers blood pressure.
Uses: Hypertension, heart failure, oedema.
Example: Atorvastatin, Simvastatin
How They Work: Statins lower cholesterol levels in the blood by blocking a substance your body needs to make cholesterol. They help prevent the buildup of plaques in your arteries.
Uses: High cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Example: Warfarin, Apixaban
How They Work: Anticoagulants prevent blood clots from forming or growing larger by limiting with the blood clotting process.
Uses: Atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, post-heart valve surgery.
Example: Aspirin, Clopidogrel
How They Work: Antiplatelet agents prevent blood cells (platelets) from clumping together to form clots.
Uses: Prevention of heart attacks and strokes, and post-stent placement.
Example: GTN spray, Isosorbide Mononitrate
How They Work: Nitrates relax and widen blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow to the heart.
Uses: Angina (chest pain).
Example: Dapagliflozin
How They Work: It lowers blood sugar by causing the kidneys to get rid of more glucose in the urine. It also reduces the amount of effort your heart has to put in to pumping blood around your body.
Uses: As well as being a useful medication for people with type 2 diabetes, dapagliflozin is now offered to some patients with heart failure and also kidney disease.
Important Notes:
- Advice: Please read the advice leaflet which comes with your medicine. Let us know if you have any concerns relating to your medication.
- Interactions: Please provide the full list of your current medication, including and supplements you are taking, and update us with any changes to avoid interactions.
- Side Effects: Be aware of potential side effects and report any unusual symptoms.
Managing your heart condition effectively involves a combination of medications and treatments, lifestyle changes and regular check-ups with your healthcare provider.