HEART ATTACK AND MEDICATIONS
Some of you will be taking medications for different reasons and you should know:
The name of the medication
The dosage
The reason why you are taking it.
Read medicine labels carefully.
Don't stop taking any medicine you have been prescribed without consulting your doctor first.
COMMONLY PRESCRIBED MEDICATIONS
Aspirin
Also known as Cardiprin, dispirin or Cartia, aspirin is commonly prescribed for heart attack patients as it helps thin the blood and assists preventing clot formation in the coronary arteries.
Nitrates
Nitrates are used in the treatment of angina because they help relax the coronary arteries allowing more blood to flow through. The names of some nitrates you might be prescribed are:
Anginine (Glyceryl Trinitrate)
Nitrolingual spray
Isordil
Imdur
Nitroglycerin patches
Nitrodisc
Transiderm Nitro.
Beta Blockers
These are used in the treatment of angina, high blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythm. When used after a heart attack, or for angina, their main actions are to
reduce the workload on the heart by slowing the heart rate, and to prevent disturbances of rhythm which may lessen the efficiency of the heart. Examples of beta blockers include:
Atenolol (Tenormin or Noten)
Metoprolol (Betaloc or Lopressor)
Sotalol (Sotacor).
Calcium Antagonists
Calcium antagonists are used in the treatment of angina, high blood pressure and coronary artery spasm The calcium antagonist Verapamil is also used to prevent disturbances of the heart rhythm. Examples of calcium antagonists include:
Ace Inhibitors
Ace inhibitors improve the heart's ability to pump and reduce blood pressure. Common ace inhibitors include:
Captopril (Capoten)
Enalapril (Renitec)
Lisinopril (Zestril).
Diuretics
Diuretics prevent accumulation of water in the lungs and other parts of the body and are also used to treat high blood pressure. Some examples are:
Lasix (Frusemide)
Chlotride (Chlorothiazide).
Potassium
This is required by some people taking diuretics to replace potassium lost in the urine. Common examples include:
Slow K (Potassium Chloride)
Chlorvescent.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
The use of hormone replacement therapy reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke in women after menopause. In addition, hormone replacement therapy can help lower cholesterol levels.
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Cardio & Blood | 
