Many new and advanced medications are available nowadays that help in preventing or controlling various types of heart ailments. Some drugs cut down the chances of a second heart attack, while some play a supportive role along with other treatments such as surgery.
Coronary artery disease is the most common form of heart disease. The drug groups that are commonly used for patients suffering from coronary artery disease are as follows:
Aspirin: The simple and basic drug like aspirin has certain properties that can help in thinning of the blood. Therefore, a prolonged use of aspirin is recommended for patients who are facing arterial blockages and high blood pressure. Aspirin has very little side effects if taken in appropriate dosage, and it provides substantial benefits towards lowering the blood pressure.
Digitalis: In cases where the functioning of the heart has been adversely affected and the heart has become weak due to excessive exertion, this medicine is administered to stimulate stronger heart contractions so that it continues to pump sufficient blood. Also, in some cases it is used to accelerate the heart rhythms where the heartbeats have become slow or weak.
Ace inhibitors: This group of medicines is used to curb the natural production of a harmful chemical substance in the blood that damages the blood vessels, thereby helping to repair the heart condition and easing the blood pressure. These medications are used when a patient is recovering after a heart attack, or is suffering from a failing heart where the heart is unable to pump sufficient blood on its own.
Beta blockers: In cases where the heart is pounding violently and operating in a hyper condition, this group of medicines helps to slowdown the functioning of the heart and helps it to beat with lesser contraction force. This medication is used in cases of high blood pressure, or to prevent chances of a second heart attack, or in case the patient is showing acute symptoms of a heart attack.
Nitrates: This group of medications is used to relieve high blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels, and to treat a patient in an emergency situation if the patient is experiencing acute pains in the chest region.
Thrombolytic agents: These drugs are useful in cases where the patient has developed a blood clot that is causing blockage in a critical coronary artery. The drug helps to dissolve the clot quickly in order to restore the circulation of blood to and from the heart. Due to this function, these drugs are also known as “Clot Busters”.
Lipitor oral: This is a preventive medication that helps to control the harmful cholesterol and fats (triglycerides) in the blood. It is the most popular and most commonly used drug in the world. It is an enzyme blocker, which is also called as “statin”. In cases where cholesterol is rigid and cannot be controlled by improving lifestyle, physical exercise and weight control, this medicine proves to be an effective alternative.
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