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There
are many drug classes prescribed for heart disease treatment. In a
particular drug class, there are also several drugs that have the same
major effect. One drug may be used for treating many kinds of diseases
such as heart failure, hypertension and heart palpitation. Physicians
will select the most appropriate drug to correct, control or alleviate
any particular problem of a certain patient. The drugs listed below are
oral drugs frequently used in treating heart diseases.
1. Anti-platelets
This drug
class affects platelet (small elements in the blood stream that stick
together and originate the formation of blood clot) function by
inhibiting platelet clumping, reduce the chance of artery blockage.
Aspirin is the cornerstone of treatment in any vascular disease and is
usually life long. Ticlopidine and clopidogrel are another group of
anti-platelets that can be used instead of aspirin in case of bleeding
from stomach ulcer, stomach upset or may be used together with aspirin
in some instances. The problem of anti-platelets is bleeding from any
organs. 2. Nitrates
Relieving
angina pectoris (chest pain or discomfort from insufficient blood flow
to the heart) is the invariable indication for nitrate. It acts by
dilating all body vessels especially arteries to the heart. By doing
so, increases blood supply to the heart muscle and reduces chest pain.
It comes in many preparations like, sublingual tablet, sublingual
spray, skin patch, skin paste and oral tablet. They do not differ in
result but vary in peak action time and duration. Common side effects
of nitrate are headache, flushing and lightheadedness, which may be
minimized over time. This drug must not be used with drugs fro the
treatment of erectile dysfunction like Viagara, Cialis and Levitra!
3. Anticoagulants
Warfarin (coumadin) is the only current oral anticoagulant which
functions by inhibiting clotting factors in the blood stream from
forming clots in the blood circulation. It is essential for treatment
of certain types of irregular heart rhythm (atrial fibrillation),
stroke, valvular heart disease (narrowing of heart valve, mechanical
heart valve), economy-class syndrome (deep venous thrombosis and
pulmonary embolism). When taking this medication, patients need to have
regular blood tests which measures the time it takes for clotting to
begin in order to adjust the dosage of warfarin. Drug-drug and
drug-food interactions are common problems for warfarin so it is vital
to consult a physician or pharmacist before adding or withdrawing any
medications including herbal and nutritional supplements. The major
side effect is bleeding which can turn serious, so strict adherence to
doctor’s advice is a must!
4. Lipid-lowering drugs
There are
2 major types of lipid in the blood – cholesterol and triglyceride,
which need differing types of drugs to lower them. Statins is a group
of drugs that has a powerful effect in lowering blood cholesterol and
has a large body of evidence showing that it can reduce illness and
death from heart and other vascular disease. Their infrequent side
effects are myalgia and hepatitis. Triglyceride-lowering drugs such as
fibrates and omega-3 are less frequently used – usually in cases of
very high triglyceride level or high triglyceride without high
cholesterol and they are not usually used in combination with statins
due to some very serious side effects.
5. Digitalis
It is
useful in heart failure patients because it can mildly increase the
heart pumping function and help reduce heart rate in atrial
fibrillation. However its side effects are quite common. These include
anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and blurred vision.
6. Diuretics
These
drugs rid the body of excess fluids and salt (sodium). So they make a
heart failure patient feel comfortable. They are usually the first step
taken in therapy in treating hypertension. Many diuretics reduce the
body’s potassium and increase uric acid level resulting in weakness,
leg cramps and attacks of gout.
7. Beta-receptor blockers
Blockage
of beta-receptors at the heart and arteries, as they are named, reduces
heart rate and heart pumping force. Patients with hypertension,
tachyarrhythmia (irregular and rapid heart rate), angina pectoris,
heart attack (myocardial infarction) and heart failure will certainly
benefit from these drugs. Some of their side effects are lethargy, cold
hands and feet, worsening of asthma and impotence.
8. Calcium-channel blockers
These
drugs reduce the amount of calcium entering into the heart and
arteries, dilating the vessels, decrease blood pressure and reduce
chest pain. Some drugs in this group can slow heart rate and are useful
in treating tachyarrhythmia. Side effects differ greatly with each of
these drugs and they include ankle edema, constipation, headaches and
dizziness.
9. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
These
drugs interfere with the body’s production of ‘angiotensin’ – a
chemical that causes arteries to constrict. They are used to treat
hypertension, heart failure and after a heart attack. Chronic dry cough
is a common side effect as are skin rashes and kidney function
impairment.
10. Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
These
drugs block the effects of angiotensin. Their beneficial and adverse
effects are nearly the same as ACE inhibitors except these drugs
produce less coughing.
Conclusion
Heart
and vascular diseases are chronic conditions which generally can be
improved, controlled but not cured. Don’t be discouraged or annoyed if
you have to be treated indefinitely and have to take a lot of drugs in
the process. It is vital that all medication is taken regularly and
correctly. Some patients can reduce – not stop drug dosages after their
condition improves and definitely under doctor’s advice. Do consult
your doctor if you have any doubts about your disease, drugs, dosage or
side effects. Sticking to the treatment plan will ensure a patient has
a longer and better quality of life.
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