Heart Attack Medication (Cont.)

 

ACE Inhibitors
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors stop the body from producing a chemical that narrows blood vessels. They are used to treat high blood pressure and damaged heart muscle. For people with a heart attack, ACE inhibitors may increase survival along with reduce the chances of a future heart attack or developing congestive heart failure. Some examples of ACE inhibitors used as treatment for a heart attack include:
 
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers
Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are newer blood pressure medicines.  Besides lowering blood pressure, they can also improve survival in people who have heart damage (such as congestive heart failure or left ventricular dysfunction) following a heart attack.  Valsartan (Diovan®) is an example of an ARB licensed for this use.
 
Nitrates
Nitrates relax blood vessels and are used to treat chest pain. Nitrates in different forms can be used to:
 
  • Relieve the pain of an angina attack
  • Prevent an expected episode
  • Reduce the number of attacks that occur by using the medicine regularly on a long-term basis.
     
The most commonly used nitrate for angina is nitroglycerin.
(Heart Attack Medication Continued: Page 3)

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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD