Cardiology

ILLNESS INSIGHTS BY DR. JIM RYBACKI

CARDIOLOGY EXPLAINED BY DR. JIM RYBACKI

The CDC reports that heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. That’s 1 out of every 4 deaths in the US. Furthermore, about 790,000 Americans have a heart attack every year, which means that a heart attack occurs every 4 seconds in the US.

If you’ve just recently experienced a heart attack or found out that you have heart disease, a cardiologist will work with you to decide on the best medication and course of action to improve your health and quality of life while also preventing further damage to the heart. One of the most common treatment options is prescription medication to help manage your cholesterol levels after a heart attack to prevent another one from occurring. This medication is one that you will take the rest of your life.

There are a variety of prescription medications that may be prescribed to improve the health of your heart and to prevent further issues. These medications may include:

Beta-Blockers

Common beta-blockers include Lopressor and Zebeta and the purpose of this medication is to lower blood pressure while also decreasing cardiac output (how much blood is being pumped out of the heart per minute) to reduce heart rate and to prevent heart attacks and even certain arrhythmias (heart rhythm disorders).

Cholesterol-Lowering Medications

There are three different cholesterol-lowering medications that can be used: statins, nicotinic acids, and cholesterol absorption inhibitors. Statins are the most common medication prescribed to lower cholesterol levels; however, patients may be prescribed another medication if statins aren’t effective or cause severe side effects.

Anticoagulants

Also known as blood thinners, these medications are designed to prevent blood clots from forming within the veins and arteries of the heart and lungs. They can even be used to prevent current blood clots from getting larger.

There are a variety of other heart medications that may be prescribed. Those with heart failure may also be given:

• Angiotensin-Receptor Neprilysin Inhibitors (ARNIs)
• Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers
• Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors
• Digitalis Preparations

We know that starting a new medication, especially a medication that you may have to take for the rest of your life, can be stressful and confusing. We also know that you may have questions along the way, and our very own Dr. James Rybacki is here to provide you with all the information you need to make sure that you are taking your medication properly. Contact us online if you have questions about the heart medication you are currently taking or are about to begin taking.

Interested in more on Cardiology from Essential Guide to Prescription Drugs?
Contact our Melbourne, FL office today!

James J. Rybacki, Pharm.D.

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