Medication

Understanding the role of medications

Heart conditions are managed through a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes medical procedures or surgery. Medications are a cornerstone of treatment, working alongside other approaches to control symptoms, reduce risks, and support long-term heart health. Medications are essential in treating various heart conditions such as high blood pressure, heart failure, angina, arrhythmias, and heart attacks. They work by managing symptoms, preventing complications, and improving heart function. Often used in combination, these medications help tailor treatment to your individual needs, improving outcomes and quality of life.

The choice of medication depends on your specific diagnosis and overall health. We will work with you to find the most effective and safest options.

Managing side effects

While heart medications are highly effective, it’s important to be aware that any medication can cause side effects. Most people tolerate these treatments well. However, if you do experience symptoms, talk to us regarding your concerns.

Making sure we have open communication ensures your treatment can be adjusted as needed to minimise unwanted effects and maintain your well-being. Never stop taking prescribed medication without medical advice, as this could worsen your condition and lead to serious complications.

Common heart medications

ACE inhibitors (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors)

This medication prevents the body from producing a hormone called angiotensin. This hormone can cause arteries to constrict and helps to control your blood pressure by increasing it when needed. However, if you have a heart concern, this can be damaging to your heart.

Taking ACE inhibitors can help control blood pressure by helping your blood vessels relax and widen. It can also help with blood flow to the heart.

They are typically prescribed to those who have had a heart attack or have heart failure. It is also used to treat high blood pressure.

ARBs (angiotensin receptor-blockers)

ARBs, like ACE inhibitors, help dilate your blood vessels by blocking the hormone angiotensin II to help lower your blood pressure and help with blood flow. Angiotensin II constricts blood vessels and helps stimulate salt and water retention in the body to increase blood pressure.

They are alternatives if you experience side effects from ACE inhibitors.

Anti-arrhythmic medicines

This medication can help stop irregular rhythms that can occur in the heart by acting on the heart’s electrical channels. It can help stop irregular, extra electrical impulses and prevent irregular electrical currents from running through the heart tissue.

They are typically prescribed to those who are experiencing a heart condition that causes an abnormal heart rate (arrythmias).

Anticoagulant medicines (blood thinners)

Anticoagulant medication interferes in the blood clotting process and slows down the time it takes for the blood to clot. This helps stops clots from forming at the wrong time or place in the body.

There are many types of anticoagulant, but the most commonly prescribed is warfarin. Warfarin is a very effective way of reducing the risk of atrial fibrillation-related strokes. However, this medication requires frequent blood tests and careful monitoring.

These types of medication are typically prescribed to those who are experiencing atrial fibrillation or blood clotting disorders. It may also be prescribed if you are at risk or have previously experienced a serious health complication such as a stroke, pulmonary embolism, or a heart attack.

Beta blockers

Beta blockers are one of the most important medications used to help treat the heart. They help reduce the release of stress hormones, adrenaline and noradrenaline, and block the production of angiotensin II (like ARBs). This helps reduce your blood pressure and slows your heart rate.

They are typically prescribed if you are experiencing a heart condition such as high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, or heart failure. It may also be recommended if you are at risk or have experienced serious heart health concerns, such as angina attacks or heart attacks.

Calcium channel blockers

This type of medication can help reduce the amount of calcium entering the heart and blood vessel walls. This helps reduce blood pressure, slow your heart rate, and control an irregular heartbeat.

They are typically prescribed to you if you are experiencing a condition such as hypertension (high blood pressure), angina, arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (enlarged heart).

Cholesterol-lowering medicines (e.g. statins)

Medications, such as statins, help lower ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol in the blood. They do this by blocking a substance that your body needs to make cholesterol.

They are typically prescribed to you if you are experiencing heart concerns such as coronary heart disease or angina. It may also be recommended if you are at risk or have experienced serious heart health concerns, such as a heart attack or stroke.

Diuretics (water tablets)

Diuretics work by stopping the kidneys from reabsorbing water and salts into your bloodstream. This means that your urine (pee) will have higher levels of salt and water, helping to reduce high blood pressure and clear out extra fluids.

They are typically prescribed to you if you are experiencing a heart condition such as high blood pressure, cardiomyopathy, or heart failure.

Diabetic medication

Whilst tackling issues with the heart, Dr Assomull may find that you are also at risk of developing, or have already developed, type 2 diabetes.

We may suggest taking medication for diabetes alongside treating your heart concern, as managing diabetes can improve your heart health. This might include:

Oral medication

Biguanides

This medication lowers your blood glucose levels by decreasing the amount of glucose your liver produces and releases into your bloodstream. 

They can also make your muscle tissue more sensitive to insulin so the muscle can absorb glucose for energy, which can help lower blood sugar levels.

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors

These tablets can block the breakdown of starch and some forms of sugar in your intestines, which will lower your glucose levels.

SGLT2 inhibitors

SGLT2 inhibitor medications work to lower blood sugar levels by instructing the kidneys to get rid of extra glucose through urine.

Injections

Insulin

Insulin is a hormone that helps the body use the sugar from food. Insulin medicine can help to control blood sugar levels, as the pancreas can become worn out and start to produce less insulin over time because of insulin resistance, which is common in patients with type 2 diabetes. 

GLP-1 receptor agonists

Incretins are a type of hormone that helps your body create more insulin and reduces the amount of glucose produced when necessary. GLP-1 receptor agonist medications help to increase incretins.

Types of GLP-1 receptor agonists include:

• Dulaglutide (Trulicity)
• Exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon Bcise)
• Liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza)
• Lixisenatide (Adlyxin)
• Semaglutide (Ozempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy)

These medications also help to reduce appetite and can result in weight loss. If you’re interested in learning more, Dr Assomull can advise on whether these medications are suitable for you.

Managing side effects

Any medication has the potential to trigger side effects. However, most people do not experience any whilst taking heart prescriptions. 

If you do experience symptoms, it’s important to have a conversation with your doctor to discuss what is troubling you. This is so your treatment can be tailored to your needs, and try to avoid unwanted side effects.

Do not stop taking your prescribed medication without getting medical advice. This could make your condition worse and lead to serious issues as a result.