Understand the ins and outs of your heart medications
If you recently had a heart episode, it’s understandable that you might have concerns. But knowledge is power. Learn about heart disease medications and how they can keep you healthy and prevent future heart concerns.
Being diagnosed with heart disease can be unsettling. So, it’s important for you to know that you’re not alone. In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of death for most racial and ethnic groups in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But you can take action to protect yourself and live beyond a heart disease diagnosis.
In addition to filling up on wholesome foods, staying active, and finding ways to manage stress, people with heart disease may also be prescribed medication. This can help lower cholesterol, reduce blood pressure, and prevent heart attacks. Your doctor will work with you to find the best medication fit.
Starting medication can feel overwhelming. Different types of heart medications treat different problems. Whatever you take, it’s important to use the medicine you’re prescribed exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist, even if you start to feel better. Always talk to your doctor about any side effects you experience. This is particularly important if there have been changes to your treatment, as your dose may need to be adjusted.
Learn about some of the most common types of heart medications your doctor might prescribe, and how they work.
Statins
These are commonly referred to as cholesterol-lowering medications. Statins block the production of cholesterol. Specifically, they lower the amount of LDL (or “bad”) cholesterol in your blood, which is important because LDL cholesterol is a major cause of heart disease. It can trigger the buildup of fatty deposits in your arteries.
Who are they for? Statins are mostly prescribed to people with heart disease or those with high cholesterol who are at risk of developing heart disease.
Antiplatelet agents
This group of medicines (which includes aspirin) prevents the platelets in your blood from sticking together. When they do stick together, it may disrupt the flow of blood to an important organ and could lead to serious complications such as a heart attack or stroke.
Who are they for? Antiplatelet agents are usually prescribed for people with heart disease or for certain people who are at risk of heart disease.
Beta-blockers
These medications block some of the naturally occurring hormones in your blood, leading to a slower heart rate and lower blood pressure, both of which can be helpful if you have heart disease. They also lower your blood pressure. While beta-blockers can make you feel tired, don’t let that stop you from sticking to your medication schedule. If you’ve had a recent heart attack, beta-blockers can help prevent you from having another one. Talk to your doctor about any side effects that you may be experiencing.
Who are they for? Beta-blockers are often prescribed for people who have had a heart attack, as well as those with heart failure, an abnormally fast heart rate, or high blood pressure.
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)
These two common types of medication act on a chemical in your blood called angiotensin II, but in different ways. Both medications help blood vessels expand, allowing blood to flow more easily. The result: Lower blood pressure and less strain on the heart.
Who are they for? These medications are often prescribed to people with heart failure or high blood pressure.
Calcium channel blockers
Calcium is a mineral that causes the heart and blood vessels to contract. Calcium channel blockers interrupt the flow of calcium in these areas, helping to relax blood vessels and letting blood flow through them more freely.
Who are they for? Calcium channel blockers are used to help manage high blood pressure, chest pain (angina) caused by poor blood supply to the heart, and (in some cases) an irregular heartbeat.
Vasodilators
As the name suggests, this type of medication dilates, or opens, blood vessels. One main category of vasodilators is nitrates, which increase the supply of blood and oxygen to your heart. They also help your heart not work so hard, which can ease chest pain.
Who are they for? Vasodilators are typically prescribed to people who have chest pain and high blood pressure.
Bottom line: No matter what medication you’re taking, it’s important to understand why your doctor prescribed it and how it can help you. So don’t be afraid to speak up, ask questions, and take charge of your health.
