The Best Medication for Heart Disease

Heart disease refers to several conditions affecting the heart. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the most common heart condition in the United States is coronary artery disease, caused by plaque buildup in the arteries. As a result, the insides of blood vessels get narrower over time, partially or entirely blocking blood flow which causes heart attacks.

Other common cardiovascular conditions are aortic disease, peripheral arterial disease, and strokes.

Heart disease is fatal. It is the leading cause of death in the United States, regardless of gender or racial background. A report by the CDC declares that one person dies every 34 seconds in the U.S. due to a cardiovascular illness.

Thankfully, heart disease is treatable if it is in its early stages. With positive lifestyle changes and regular medication, a patient suffering from a cardiovascular condition can live a normal life.

Read on to learn more about different types of medication for heart disease.

Types of Heart Medications

Medication for heart disease can help the heart work better. Although these prescriptions can't cure the ailment, they can slow the disease's progression and improve quality of life. Patients are typically required to take several different medications because each drug performs a different job of managing the condition effectively.

A healthcare professional will decide the best medication for heart disease based on the patient's symptoms, how far the illness has progressed, and other medical issues like high blood pressure and diabetes.

List of the Best Medication for Heart Disease

There are many types of medicine used to treat heart disease. However, some of the most common drugs for cardiovascular conditions fall into the following classes:

• ACE inhibitors
• Beta-blockers
• Digoxin
• Diuretics
• Vasodilators
• Cholesterol-lowering drugs

ACE inhibitors

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors relax and open the vessels so blood flows freely throughout the body. They also manage blood pressure and lower the risk of heart attacks. Most ACE inhibitors are prescribed orally, but variants can also be given intravenously.

Below are the most commonly prescribed drugs under the ACE inhibitor class:

Anticoagulants

Also known as blood thinners, anticoagulants decrease the coagulating ability of blood. As a result, they reduce the risk of developing blood clots and are prescribed to patients with atrial fibrillation, cardiomyopathy, and a history of heart attack or stroke. The most widespread anticoagulants are the following:

Beta Blockers

Also known as Beta-Adrenergic Blocking Agents, these drugs decrease the heart rate and help the heart to beat with less force. They are often used to treat patients with cardiac arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythm) and alleviate chest pain. The most common beta blockers include:

Digitalis

Digitalis medication increases the amount of calcium in the heart's cells, strengthening the heartbeat's force. As a result, the drugs control irregular heart rhythms in patients who suffer from arrhythmia. The following are the most commonly prescribed medication in this class:

Diuretics

Diuretics, also referred to as water pills, help rid the body of excess fluid and sodium through urination. In addition, these drugs treat high blood pressure and reduce swelling from water buildup in the body. There are many different types of diuretics but the most common ones prescribed are the following:

Cholesterol-lowering Drugs

High cholesterol is a common reason for developing heart conditions. Therefore, lowering a patient's cholesterol count is an excellent way to lessen the effects of cardiovascular illness. For this reason, doctors often include cholesterol-lowering drugs as part of treatment for heart disease, which can include:

Overcoming the Cost of Medication for Heart Disease

Medication for heart disease is a great treatment option for those in the early stages. However, the cost of the medication can be troublesome for those paying out-of-pocket. Luckily, you may be able to save money with a prescription discount card, like the one from Inside Rx.

Inside Rx can save you up to 80% off brand and generic prescription medications for heart disease and a variety of other medical conditions. You can instantly download your free savings card here.

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No matter what type of medication for heart disease you may be prescribed, Inside Rx can help save on the cost. Download your card and start saving today!

Sources:

• https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/about.htm
• https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/cardiovascular/heart_disease/types_of_cv.htm
• https://wonder.cdc.gov/mcd-icd10.html
• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23528-heart-failure-medications
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431051/
• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22318-beta-blockers
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/in-depth/diuretics/art-20048129
• https://www.heartfailurematters.org/what-your-doctor-can-do/digitalis/
• https://www.heartandstroke.ca/heart-disease/treatments/medications/anticoagulants
• https://www.floyd.org/medical-services/heart-care/Pages/heart-failure-medications.aspx
• https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/common-medicine-heart-disease-patients