Understanding Your Heart Medications: A Patient's Guide to Cardiovascular Risk Management

Overview

This guide helps you understand the medications commonly prescribed to manage cardiovascular risk factors.

Common Medication Classes

Statins

• Purpose: Lower cholesterol levels
• Examples: atorvastatin, rosuvastatin
• Key Benefits: Reduce heart attack and stroke risk

Blood Pressure Medications

1. ACE Inhibitors/ARBs

   • Protect heart and kidney function
   • Names end in '-pril' or '-sartan'

2. Beta Blockers

   • Control heart rate
   • Reduce blood pressure

3. Calcium Channel Blockers

   • Relax blood vessels
   • Names typically end in '-dipine'

Antiplatelet Medications

• Purpose: Prevent blood clots
• Common Types: aspirin, clopidogrel

Taking Your Medications

Important Guidelines

• Take medications at the same time daily
• Never stop without consulting your doctor
• Report side effects promptly

Monitoring

• Regular blood pressure checks
• Periodic blood tests
• Follow-up appointments

Warning Signs

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Chest pain
• Severe dizziness
• Difficulty breathing
• Unusual bleeding

Lifestyle Modifications

Medications work best when combined with:

• Regular exercise
• Healthy diet
• Smoking cessation
• Stress management