Heart disease is the number one leading cause of death among Filipinos, according to the 2016 Philippine Health Statistics. There are many types of medications used to treat heart disease. Consult your doctor about the best type of heart medication (or combination of heart medications) for your condition. Heart medications are available only with a doctor’s prescription.
Here are 5 common types of heart medications and how they work:
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors
ACE inhibitors are used to treat or improve symptoms of cardiovascular conditions including high blood pressure and heart failure. This allows blood to flow more easily and makes the heart’s work easier or more efficient. Commonly prescribed ACE inhibitors include:
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)
Like ACE inhibitors, ARBs are also used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. ARBs prevent the hormone from having any effect on the heart and blood vessels thereby keeping blood pressure from rising. Commonly prescribed ARBs include:
Beta Blockers
Beta blockers are used to lower blood pressure, for cardiac arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms), to treat chest pain (angina), and to help prevent future heart attacks in patients who have had a heart attack. Commonly prescribed beta blockers include:
Calcium Channel Blockers
Also known as calcium antagonists or calcium blockers, calcium channel blockers are used to treat high blood pressure, chest pain caused by reduced blood supply to the heart muscle and some arrhythmias. Commonly prescribed calcium channel blockers include:
Diuretics
Diuretics are used to help lower blood pressure and help reduce swelling (edema) from excess buildup of fluid in the body. Also known as water pills, diuretics cause the body to rid itself of excess fluids and sodium through urination thereby helping reduce the heart’s workload. Commonly prescribed diuretics include:
Consult your doctor before taking any prescription medication.
Shop at Watsons for prescription medications and other essential healthcare products.
References: http://crmc.doh.gov.ph/34-press-release/331-cardiovascular-disease-prevention-and-control-program. Accessed 27 March 2021 https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/treatment-of-a-heart-attack/cardiac-medications. Accessed 27 March 2021
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