Cardiac Medication Management
Understanding your heart medications is essential for getting the most benefit while staying safe.
General Medication Safety
Critical Safety Rules
- • Never stop taking heart medications without talking to your doctor first
- • Don't skip doses — set reminders if needed
- • Tell every healthcare provider about all your medications
- • Ask before taking any new medications, supplements, or OTC drugs
Antiplatelet Medications
Aspirin
Prevents blood platelets from clumping together and forming clots.
P2Y12 Inhibitors (Plavix, Brilinta, Effient)
Work with aspirin to prevent clots, especially important after stent placement.
After stent: You'll typically take both aspirin AND a P2Y12 inhibitor for 6-12+ months. Stopping early can cause a life-threatening stent clot. Never stop without doctor approval.
Blood Thinners (Anticoagulants)
These medications prevent blood clots from forming. They're commonly used for atrial fibrillation, certain valve conditions, and blood clots.
DOACs (Direct Oral Anticoagulants)
Newer blood thinners that don't require regular blood monitoring:
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Older blood thinner that requires more monitoring but may be preferred for some conditions (mechanical heart valves).
Important with Warfarin:
- • Regular INR blood tests required
- • Keep vitamin K intake consistent (don't suddenly change)
- • Many drug interactions — always check
- • Target INR usually 2.0-3.0 (higher for some conditions)
Statins (Cholesterol Medications)
Statins are the most effective medications for lowering LDL cholesterol and are proven to reduce heart attacks, strokes, and death from heart disease.
Common Statins
- • Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
- • Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
- • Simvastatin (Zocor)
- • Pravastatin (Pravachol)
Benefits Beyond Cholesterol
- • Stabilize plaques in arteries
- • Reduce inflammation
- • Protect blood vessel lining
- • Reduce heart attack risk 25-35%
About Muscle Symptoms
Some people experience muscle aches with statins. If this happens, tell your doctor — there are many options including different statins, lower doses, or alternative medications. The benefits of statins usually far outweigh the risks.
Blood Pressure Medications
ACE Inhibitors
Lisinopril, Enalapril, Ramipril
End in '-pril'. May cause dry cough.
ARBs
Losartan, Valsartan, Olmesartan
End in '-sartan'. Alternative if ACE causes cough.
Beta-Blockers
Metoprolol, Carvedilol, Atenolol
End in '-olol'. Slow heart rate. Don't stop suddenly.
Calcium Channel Blockers
Amlodipine, Diltiazem, Verapamil
May cause ankle swelling, constipation.
Diuretics
Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide
Water pills. Take in morning. Monitor potassium.
Nitrates
Nitroglycerin, Isosorbide
For chest pain. Don't use with Viagra/Cialis.
Medication Tips
- Use a pill organizer — Weekly containers help you track doses
- Set daily reminders — Phone alarms or apps like Medisafe
- Take at the same time daily — Helps build a habit and maintain steady levels
- Keep an updated medication list — Include doses and times; share with all doctors
- Don't run out — Refill when you have 1 week supply left
- Report side effects — There are often alternatives if you have problems
- Never double up — If you miss a dose, ask your pharmacist what to do
Before Any Procedure
Always tell your doctor about your medications before:
- • Surgery
- • Dental procedures
- • Colonoscopy
- • Any invasive procedure
You may need to hold certain medications temporarily.
Drug Interactions
Ask your pharmacist or doctor before taking:
- • NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen)
- • Herbal supplements
- • Antacids
- • Cold medications
- • Erectile dysfunction drugs
Questions About Medications?
Never hesitate to ask about your medications. We're here to help.
Contact Us(702) 805-5678