Heart Disease (cont.)
Medications
The purpose of medications for coronary artery disease is to allow more
efficient heart muscle function to overcome any blockage that might exist.
Aspirin is one of the cornerstones of coronary artery disease treatment. It
prevents platelets from clumping together when blood becomes turbulent, like
when it flows past a narrowing in an artery.
Beta blockers prevent the action of adrenaline on the heart and allow the
heart to beat a more efficiently by reducing the heart rate and causing
the heart muscle to contract less aggressively. Examples of beta blockers
include:
Calcium channel blockers can also be used to control heart rate and allow the
heart to beat more efficiently. Examples of calcium channel blockers include:
- diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac)
- verapamil (Calan, Verelan, Verelan PM, Isoptin, Covera-HS)
Nitroglycerin dilates blood vessels and may be used sublingually, under the
tongue, to treat angina. Some patients may be prescribed long-acting
nitroglycerin to help control anginal symptoms.
Angioplasty and stenting
If the coronary angiogram (coronary=heart + angio=artery + gram=record) shows
significant blockage in an artery, the cardiologist may attempt an
angioplasty,
in which a balloon is placed via a catheter (as with angiography) at the area of
narrowing and when quickly inflated, compresses the offending plaque into the
wall of the artery. Often a stent, or a metal cage, is placed at the site of
angioplasty to keep the blood vessel from narrowing again.
Next: Surgery »
- Beta Blockers - Learn more about Beta Blockers, a drug that treats angina and other heart rhythm disorders, migraines, high blood pressure, panic attacks, and tremors. Generic and brand names are included in the article.
- CT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography) - CT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography, CAT scan) is a procedure that assists in diagnosing tumors, fractures, bony structures, and infections in the organs and tissues of the body.
- Low Blood Pressure - Learn about low blood pressure (hypotension). Low blood pressure is blood pressure below normal and symptoms may include: lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting upon standing (orthostatic hypotension). There are many causes of low blood pressure, and treatment is dependant upon the cause.
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