Medications for Heart Rhythm Disorders and Other Cardiovascular Disease
| Medications used to treat, prevent or lessen the frequency or severity of abnormal heart rhythms are called anti-arrhythmics. Sometimes, they are used in combination with other treatments such as implanted pacemakers and ICDs. Medications also are prescribed to treat or relieve symptoms of cardiovascular conditions that can contribute to heart rhythm disorders and heart disease, such as high blood pressure (hypertension) and coronary artery disease (CAD). Classes of medications used in the medical management of patients with various cardiovascular disorders include: |
| Antiarrhythmics are used to treat abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). [more] Antihypertensives are medications used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). [more] Diuretics decrease fluid and salt in the body, which reduces the heart's workload. They are sometimes referred to as "water pills." [more] Inotropic and Cardiotonic Drugs stimulate the force of heart muscle contractions. [more] Anti-clotting agents or anticoagulants are drugs that prevent blood clots that can cause heart attack and stroke. [more] Fat- and Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs are useful in preventing high cholesterol or fat in the blood. [more] Pain Relievers may be prescribed after a heart attack to treat pain or relieve angina (chest pain caused by reduced supply of oxygen to the heart). [more] Thrombolytic Therapy, or clot-busting drugs are used in the early stages of heart attack or stroke to break up a blood clot and restore blood flow. [more] Medications After a Heart Attack [more] |