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Medication for Coronary Heart Disease |
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Many different medicines are used to treat coronary heart
disease. This gives doctors a wide choice and means that a medication
can be prescribed to meet your particular circumstances and needs.
Some heart medicines have side effects, so it may take a while to find
one that works for you. Your GP or specialist will be able to discuss
the various options with you. Some of the medicines that are commonly
used to treat heart conditions are outlined below. |
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These agents act by blocking the effect of the sympathetic
nervous system on the heart, slowing heart rate, decreasing blood pressure,
and thereby reducing the oxygen demand of the heart. Studies have found
that these drugs also can reduce the chances of dying or suffering
a recurrent heart attack if they are started shortly after suffering
a heart attack and continued for 2 years. |
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Calcium-Channel-Blocking Drugs: |
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All muscles need varying amounts of calcium in order
to contract. By reducing the amount of calcium that enters the muscle
cells in the coronary artery walls, spasms can be prevented. Some calcium-channel-blocking
drugs also decrease the work-load of the heart and some lower the heart
rate as well. |
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Helps to lower the risk of a heart attack for those who
have already had one. It also helps to keep arteries open in those
who have had a previous heart bypass or other artery-opening procedure
such as coronary angioplasty. But aspirin can cause stomach bleeding
and has other risks. Asprin has not been approved to prevent heart
attacks in healthy people. Talk to your GP about whether taking aspirin
is right for you. |
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Anticoagulants such as warfarin are sometimes used to
stop the blood clotting. However, they can cause bleeding, or increase
bleeding from cuts or during menstruation (a woman's period). As a
result of this, your GP may advise you to have regular blood tests.
It is also a good idea to carry a card with you stating that you are
taking anticoagulants. |
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A high level of 'bad cholesterol' (LDL) in your blood
can cause a build-up of atheroma (fatty deposits) in your arteries,
increasing your risk of heart attack or stroke. If you have a high
blood cholesterol level, cholesterol-lowering medicine called statins
may be prescribed. They work by blocking the formation of cholesterol
and increasing the number of LDL ‘receptors’ in the liver, which help
to remove the LDL cholesterol from your blood. This helps to slow the
progression of coronary heart disease, and will make having a heart
attack less likely. |
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ACE (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme) Inhibitors |
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ACE inhibitors are commonly used to treat heart failure
and high blood pressure. They block the activity of a hormone called
angiotensin II, which narrows blood vessels. As well as stopping the
heart working so hard, ACE inhibitors improve the flow of blood around
the body. |
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Nitrates are used to widen your blood vessels. Doctors
sometimes refer to nitrates as vasodilators. They are available in
a variety of forms, including tablets, sprays, skin patches and ointments.
They work by relaxing your blood vessels, letting more blood pass through
them. This lowers your blood pressure and relieves any heart pain that
you have. Nitrates can have some mild side effects, including headaches,
dizziness and flushed skin. |
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Peter Scott - Team Leader
