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.