Medication
Anti-Platelet Agents
Anti-Anginal Drugs
(Vasodilators)
Anti-Arrhythmic Drugs
Anticoagulants
"Blood Thinners"
Blood Pressure Lowering Drugs
(Antihypertensives)
Diuretics
"Water Pills"
Angiotension-Converting
Enzyme Inhibitors (ACE)
Beta-Blockers
What it does Common brand n
Antiplatelet—acts to slow the initial
phases of blood clotting in arteries.
Helps lower risk of a second cardiac
event (often used after by-pass surgery
or cardiac stent procedures.
Used to treat angina (chest pain).
Relaxes blood vessels (vasodilates)
and stops chest pain by increasing
oxygen flow to heart.
Used to bring under control abnormal
rhythms of the heart (including atrial
fibrillation), so the heart can pump
more effectively.
Prevents the blood from clotting. Used
in atrial fibrillation, valve replacement
and patients with a history of blood
clots.
Used to control blood pressure which
reduces the risk of stroke or heart
attack.
Lower blood pressure by causing the
body to excrete excess fluids and
sodium.
Dilates blood vessels to lower blood
pressure and help heart empty in
congestive heart failure (helps prevent
progression of disease).
Lowers blood pressure and slows
heart rate (including protection against
arrhythmias). Helps lower risk of
stroke and heart attacks.
Clopidigrel (Plavix®), asp
NOTE: It is common to give
together following a cardiac i
(stent).
nitroglycerin (Nitrobid®
Nitrostat®), isosorbide
Imdur®, Isordil®)
sotalol (Betapace®), am
(Cordarone®), Verapam
(Calan®), digoxin (Lan
diltiazem (Cardizem®)
Oral: warfarin (Coumad
Injectables: Heparin and
enoxaparin (Lovenox®)
ACE-Inhibitors, Beta-B
Calcium-Channel Block
below)
Furosemide (Lasix®), b
(Bumex®), hydrochlort
captopril (Capoten®), li
(Zestril®), fosinopril
(Monopril®), ramipril (
atenolol (Tenormin®), b
(Zebeta®) metroprolol
(Lopressor®, Toprol-XL
Carvidilol (Coreg)®
Cholesterol-Reducing Drugs Lowers level of fats (lipids) in the
blood, which include cholesterol and
triglycerides. Blocks production of
specific enzyme the body uses to
make cholesterol. Reduces risk of
heart attack.
Calcium-Channel Blocker Relaxes blood vessels (vasodilates) to
assist in blood pressure control and
prevention of angina (chest pain).
Some also can be used to control
arrhythmias (ie-atrial fibrillation)
Thrombolytic Agents Injectable medication given at the
"Clot-busters" onset of a heart attack to break a
coronary artery clot, and restore blood
flow.
Heart Failure Drugs Increases efficiency of heart (decrease
rate), decreases resistance (helps
unload heart).
Statins: atorvastatin (Lip
simvastatin (Zocor®), p
(Pravachol®), (Crestor®
Others: ezembide (Zetia
Combination: Vytorin®
amlodipine (Norvasc®)
(Cardizem®), nifedipin
(Procardia®), verapami
(Calan®).
TNKase® (tennecteplas
Retavase® (alteplase)
carvedilol (Coreg®)
ACE-Inhibitors, Diureti
blockers (See specific s
examples)