Heart Disease: Medications

ACE Inhibitors and Heart Disease

ACE inhibitors widen your arteries. That can be a good thing for some people with heart disease. Here's why.

ACE Inhibitors and Heart Disease

 

ARBs and Heart Disease

There's a major role for angiotensin II receptor blockers -- ARBs -- in heart disease.

ARBs and Heart Disease

 

Antiarrhythmics

Antiarrhythmia drugs help keep abnormal heart rhythms under control. Here's a brief overview.

Antiarrhythmics

 

Antiplatelet Drugs

Antiplatelet drugs prevent blood clots. That's a good thing for people at risk of heart disease -- but there are drawbacks. Here's a brief, to-the-point overview.

Antiplatelet Drugs

 

Aspirin for Heart Disease

Aspirin. It's been around so long we often forget what a powerful drug it is. What you need to know is here.

Aspirin for Heart Disease

 

Beta-Blockers

Beta-blockers relax the heart. Check out this brief overview.

Beta-Blockers

 

Calcium Channel Blockers

There are several different calcium channel blockers. They all lighten the heart's workload. Click here to see what they can do for you.

Calcium Channel Blockers

 

Clot Busters

Doctors call them thrombolytics. But unless Greek is your native tongue, "clot busters" gives you a better idea of what they do. Learn more here.

Clot Busters

 

Digoxin

Digoxin helps an injured heart do its job. Here's what you should know about it.

Digoxin

 

What Are Water Pills?

What are water pills? They're diuretics -- drugs that make your body give off water, mostly by increasing urination. This is a big relief for your heart. Click here for the facts you need about these very important medicines.

What Are Water Pills?

 

Drugs That Treat Heart Failure

For severe heart failure, therapy with inotropic drugs may work when other medicines fail. Sometimes called heart pump drugs, these medications must be delivered intravenously by infusion. Click here for the facts.

Drugs That Treat Heart Failure

 

Vasodilators

Vasodilators expand the arteries and ease the strain on the heart. They're used when ACE inhibitors aren't enough, or in patients who can't take ACE inhibitors. Learn more here.

Vasodilators

 

Coumadin

Warfarin -- Coumadin is the brand name -- is a blood thinner. It saves lives, but it's a tricky drug to take. Start learning about it, and other blood thinners, here.

Coumadin