Medications that have been commonly used in the treatment of coronary heart disease include anti - platelet, ACE - inhibitor, angiotensin receptor blocker, beta blocker, statin and nitrate. Knowing your medications and compliant to them are really crucial step in preventing progression of the disease and further episodes of heart attack.
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Anti-platelet
Common anti - platelet drugs used to treat coronary heart disease include aspirin, clopidogrel, ticagrelor, and prasugrel. This medication works by thinning the blood preventing it from clotting, therefore preventing blockage formation within the vessel. It may be contraindicated in some group of people with bleeding problems.
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Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE-i)
Examples of ACE - inhibitors include captopril, perindopril, enalapril and ramipril. They block the activity of an enzyme called Angiotensin II, preventing the enzyme from causing narrowing of the blood vessels therefore improving blood flow in the body including blood flow to the heart. One common problem of this medication is that it may cause kidney problem in some people. Regular blood tests might have to be done to monitor kidney function to make sure the kidney is working properly while taking the drug. Another common problem with this type of drug is that it may cause persistent dry cough which some people could not tolerate. For these people, the medication usually need to be change to other alternative drug. (See angiotensin receptor blocker - ARB below)
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Angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB)
ARBs that commonly used in the treatment of coronary heart disease include losartan, telmisartan, valsartan, and irbesartan. They work in similar way to ACE-i. It is often prescribed as an alternative to ACE-i as it doesn't cause dry cough.
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Beta blocker
Examples include bisoprolol, metoprolol and propanolol. They work by reducing the workload and stress on the heart therefore preventing it from going into failure. This medication is contraindicated in patient with breathing problem such as asthma and COPD, and heart block.
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Statin
Examples of statins include simvastatin, lovastatin and atorvastatin. Statins help individual with high cholesterol level in the blood therefore slow down the progression of coronary heart disease and make further episode of heart attack less likely. Not all statins are suitable for everybody. Different types of statins might need to be tried before you find the one that suitable for you. Regular blood tests might need to be done to monitor the liver function as the medication has been known to cause liver problem in some people.
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Nitrate
Examples are glyceryl trinitrate and isosorbide mononitrate. It is used to widen the blood vessels so blood can flow well around the body including blood to the heart. There are variety forms of nitrates including tablets, sublingual tablets, sprays, skin patches and ointments. Some mild effects include headache, dizziness and flushes skin.
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