Cardiac Care

• Cardiac care medications are drugs prescribed to manage and treat heart-related conditions. These medications help to control blood pressure, improve heart function, lower cholesterol, prevent blood clots, and reduce the risk of heart attacks or strokes. They are often part of a long-term treatment plan to help people live healthier, longer lives with heart disease or related conditions.

• Heart diseases (also called cardiovascular diseases) can develop from a variety of causes:

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• High blood pressure (hypertension):

  • Forces the heart to work harder than normal

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• High cholesterol:

  • Leads to buildup of fatty deposits in arteries (atherosclerosis)

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• Genetics:

  • Family history of heart disease increases risk

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• Unhealthy lifestyle:

  • Poor diet, smoking, lack of exercise, excessive alcohol use

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• Stress and anxiety:

  • Can increase heart rate and blood pressure

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• Diabetes and obesity:

  • Raise the risk of heart and blood vessel damage

• Cardiac medications are used to treat or manage:

  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)

  • Coronary artery disease (blocked arteries)

  • Heart failure

  • Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat)

  • Angina (chest pain due to poor blood flow)

  • Heart attack recovery

  • Stroke prevention

  • High cholesterol (dyslipidemia)

• Symptoms may vary depending on the condition, but commonly include:

  • Chest pain or pressure

  • Shortness of breath

  • Fatigue or weakness

  • Swelling in the legs or ankles

  • Irregular or rapid heartbeat

  • Dizziness or fainting

  • Cold sweats, nausea

  • Pain in the arm, neck, jaw, or back (especially during a heart attack)

• Different medications work in different ways to support heart health. Your doctor may prescribe a combination depending on your needs.

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1. Antihypertensives (Blood Pressure Medications)

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• Examples:

  • ACE Inhibitors (e.g., Enalapril, Lisinopril) – Relax blood vessels

  • ARBs (e.g., Losartan, Valsartan) – Block hormones that tighten blood vessels

  • Beta Blockers (e.g., Atenolol, Metoprolol) – Slow heart rate and reduce workload

  • Calcium Channel Blockers (e.g., Amlodipine, Diltiazem) – Relax blood vessels

  • Diuretics (e.g., Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide) – Remove excess fluid

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• These help lower blood pressure, reduce heart strain, and prevent complications like strokes or heart attacks.

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2. Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs

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• Statins (e.g., Atorvastatin, Rosuvastatin):

  • Lower "bad" LDL cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke.

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• Other options:

  • Ezetimibe, Fibrates, PCSK9 inhibitors

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3. Antiplatelets & Anticoagulants (Blood Thinners)

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• Prevent blood clots in arteries or after heart surgery.

  • Aspirin (low dose)

  • Clopidogrel (Plavix)

  • Warfarin, Apixaban, Rivaroxaban (used for atrial fibrillation, DVT, or stroke prevention)

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• These medications can increase bleeding risk—follow dosing carefully.

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4. Nitrates (Angina Relief)

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• Help relieve chest pain by increasing blood flow to the heart.

  • Nitroglycerin (under the tongue)

  • Isosorbide mononitrate/dinitrate

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5. Heart Failure Medications

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• Help improve heart pumping function and manage fluid buildup.

  • Digoxin – Strengthens heart contractions

  • Sacubitril/Valsartan – Reduces heart failure symptoms

  • Spironolactone – Reduces fluid retention

• Common Side Effects:

  • Dizziness or lightheadedness

  • Fatigue or drowsiness

  • Cough (especially with ACE inhibitors)

  • Muscle aches (with statins)

  • Increased urination (with diuretics)

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• Serious Side Effects (Call your doctor):

  • Severe chest pain or shortness of breath

  • Swelling of the face, lips, or throat

  • Unusual bleeding or bruising

  • Irregular heartbeat or fainting

  • Yellowing of skin or eyes (sign of liver issue)

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• Always take medications exactly as prescribed, and never stop abruptly without medical advice.

• Doctors may use a combination of:

  • Blood pressure measurement

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)

  • Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)

  • Blood tests (cholesterol, troponin, etc.)

  • Stress test (to monitor heart during exercise)

  • Angiogram (to check artery blockages)

  • Holter monitor (24-hour heart rhythm test)

• Eat heart-healthy foods:

  • More fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats (like olive oil, nuts, and fish)

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• Stay physically active:

  • Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days

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• Quit smoking and limit alcohol

• Manage stress through yoga, meditation, or breathing techniques

• Reduce salt intake to help control blood pressure

• Regular check-ups to monitor heart health and medication effectiveness

1. Will I need to take heart medications for life?

• In many cases, yes—especially if you have chronic conditions like hypertension or heart failure. These medications help control, not cure the problem.

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2. Can I take heart medications with other medicines?

• Always check with your doctor or pharmacist to avoid interactions. Some drugs can interfere with heart medications.

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3. What should I do if I miss a dose?

• Take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next dose. Never double up.

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4. Can heart medications cause weight gain or fatigue?

• Some may cause water retention or tiredness. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult your doctor.

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5. Are there natural alternatives to these medications?

• While lifestyle changes can improve heart health, medications are often necessary for long-term protection and should never be replaced without medical advice.