Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)
Some examples of ARBs include:
Anticoagulants
Anticoagulants decrease the ability of the blood to clot and, therefore, help to prevent clots from forming in your arteries and blocking blood flow. (These medicines are sometimes called "blood thinners," though they do not actually thin the blood.) Anticoagulants will not dissolve clots that have already formed, but they may prevent the clots from becoming larger and causing more serious problems.
An example of an anticoagulant used in
atherosclerosis treatment is warfarin (Coumadin
®, Jantoven
®).
Antiplatelets
Antiplatelets are medications that stop blood particles called platelets from clumping together to form harmful clots. These medications may be given to people who have had a heart attack; have
angina; or experience chest pain after an
angioplasty procedure,
stroke, or
TIA (transcient ischemic attack -- a "
mini-stroke"). Aspirin is one type of antiplatelet medicine. Other antiplatelets used in atherosclerosis treatment include:
- Clopidogrel (Plavix®)
- Dipyridamole (Aggrenox®, Persantine®, and others)
- Ticlopidine (Ticlid®).
Beta Blockers
Beta blockers slow the heart rate and allow it to beat with less force. They are used to treat
high blood pressure and some arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms), and to prevent a repeat heart attack. They can also delay or prevent the development of angina.
Examples of beta blockers used in atherosclerosis treatment include:
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