Medications Glossary

reduces the tendency of small blood cells called platelets to stick together, which helps prevent the formation of a thrombosis.

This quick acting sublingual tablets or spray relax the arteries of the heart and relieve angina attacks.

This reduce the frequency of angina attacks. These can be in the form of tablets or patches and are very effective. Their main side effect is headache, but this often disappears once the nitrate has been taken for some weeks. They work by relaxing the arterial walls to improve blood flow.

It makes the heart contract harder and is used when the heart’s pumping function has been weakened; it also slows some fast heart rhythms.

They stops the production of a chemical that makes blood vessels narrow and is used to help control high blood pressure and in cases of heart failure.

They work by slowing down the heart rate and decreasing the force of the heart muscle. This reduces the heart’s need for oxygen and improves the supply of blood to the heart muscle.

They work by reducing the frequency and severity of chest pain. They reduce the muscle tension in the coronary arteries, expanding them and creating more room. They also slightly relax the heart muscle, reducing the heart’s need for oxygen and reducing blood pressure.

They work by reducing the formation of cholesterol in the body by the liver and is highly effective and have shown to reduce heart attacks and strokes. Common side effects are muscle ache and bowel upset which resolves when the medication are discontinued.

Promote salt and water excretion by the kidneys thereby reducing the heart workload and symptoms of fluid retention. They help relieve shortness of breath and leg swelling.

Anti-infective agents such as antibiotics may be prescribed prior to invasive medical or dental procedure to prevent a serious infection called bacterial endocarditis.

These medications may be prescribed for AF patients to prevent irregular heartbeat.