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Medication Common
Medications for Heart Disease ACE inhibitors are used to prevent the body's blood vessels from constricting. This reduces the work the heart must do to pump blood to the body. ACE inhibitors are used to treat high blood pressure, to prevent or treat congestive heart failure and to decrease a high-risk person’s chance of having a stroke or heart attack. Side effects: dry persistent cough, nausea, headache, diarrhea, constipation, dizziness or lightheadedness, salty/metallic taste or an inability to taste for two to three months. Very
rare allergic reactions: rash, fever, chills, vomiting, aching
joints, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, hands and feet. ARBs have effects similar to those of ACE inhibitors and can be used if one has significant side effects from the ACE inhibitors. Many of these medications are not recommended for women who are pregnant or are breastfeeding. Check with your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to get pregnant or are breastfeeding. Many
people who take ARBs experience no side effects. Possible side
effects vary depending on the particular medication but include:
dizziness, lightheadedness, diarrhea, stomach problems, muscle
cramps and respiratory infection. ASA has been shown to reduce the tendency of blood to form clots, thus reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Recent research has shown that ASA is as effective for women as it is for men with known cardiovascular disease. There may, however, be differences in the effect of ASA on women and men who do not have cardiovascular disease. For this reason, ASA is not recommended as primary prevention for women. Although this is an inexpensive, over-the-counter drug, it should only be used as treatment for heart conditions under the direction of a physician. ASA can be dangerous for patients with high blood pressure, severe liver and kidney disease, and asthma. Side effects: nausea, indigestion, heartburn, ulcers and increased risk of bleeding. next >> |