Medication

What will the medication do?

People who have a heart condition frequently receive prescriptions for different types of medication, regardless of whether they will need surgery. These medications can serve various purposes: some help restore heart rhythm, others lower blood pressure, while others reduce cholesterol levels. The following is an overview of the most common types that are prescribed. 

Antiarrhythmic medication

For some patients, their heart may beat too fast or irregularly. This is called tachycardia in the first case and arrhythmia in the second.
These disorders are related to a disruption in the heart’s electrical activity. Antiarrhythmic medications help prevent and treat the abnormalities caused by irregular heartbeats.

Beta blockers

These medications are particularly indicated in patients with heart failure, arrhythmias and hypertension. They help lower heart rate and blood pressure, which reduces the heart’s workload.

Diuretics

Diuretics are especially indicated for patients with high blood pressure and heart failure. They help eliminate excess fluid, particularly sodium, from the body. They lower blood pressure by reducing blood volume.  

Statins

Cholesterol is one of the major risk factors for heart disease. Statins lower the levels of “bad” cholesterol, which helps prevent the formation of plaques in the arteries. This reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Antihypertensives

These medications help control high blood pressure. Some work by eliminating excess water and salt, while others help dilate the arteries. 

Anticoagulants 

The heart naturally forms clots to stop bleeding. This process is called coagulation. But this phenomenon can lead to complications, especially stroke (cerebrovascular accident – CVA). Anticoagulants thin the blood, which hinders the blood clotting process. 

Antiplatelet medications

These medications prevent blood platelets from sticking together and forming clots. They are often prescribed after a myocardial infarction or to prevent cardiovascular complications in people at high risk

Calcium channel blockers

These medications work by preventing calcium from entering the muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels. This allows the blood vessels to relax and lowers blood pressure, while also reducing the heart’s workload. These medications are particularly useful in treating hypertension.

Cardiac glycosides

These medications are mainly prescribed for patients with heart failure and atrial fibrillation. They increase the force of the heart’s muscle contraction, allowing it to pump more effectively.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors

ACE inhibitors are often prescribed for patients with high blood pressure or heart failure. These medications work by blocking an enzyme that plays a role in regulating blood pressure. By inhibiting this enzyme, ACE inhibitors help lower blood pressure and reduce the heart’s workload.

Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)

They work similarly to ACE inhibitors, but instead of blocking the conversion enzyme, they directly block the action of angiotensin, a hormone that constricts blood vessels. This reduces blood pressure and improves blood flow to the heart.