To get the best experience while viewing this site, it is recommended that you upgrade to a modern browser version of Chrome or Firefox.

You may do so by clicking on one of these icons:


southern new mexico surgery center
 
  •  

    		•   
    Health Library Explorer
    A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z A-Z Listings Contact Us
    Cardiovascular
    A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Back to Intro
    Click a letter to see a list of medical procedures beginning with that letter.
    Click 'Back to Intro' to return to the beginning of this section.

    Common Heart Medicines

    Many different medicines can help treat heart disease. Learn what type of medicine you're taking, what it treats, and how to take it safely. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions about why you need a medicine or how it works. Medicines are prescribed in just the right doses for your heart condition. They work only if you take them exactly as directed. So your provider can prescribe the best medicine for you, but it's up to you to take them correctly.

    Keep a list

    Keep a list of all your medicines. Include your dosage and the time or times you take them. Update your list if any changes to your medicine are made. And share this list with any new health care provider you visit.

    Common types of medicine

    • ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and can help protect your kidneys.
    • ARBs (angiotensen-receptor blockers) treat high blood pressure and heart failure. They may be used if you can't take an ACE inhibitor.
    • ARNIs (Angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors) treat heart failure. They may be preferred to ACE inhibitors or ARBs.
    • Antiarrhythmics help slow and regulate a fast or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia).
    • Anticoagulants help reduce the risk that a blood clot will form and block the artery (thrombosis).
    • Antihypertensives help treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
    • Aspirin (taken regularly in the right dosage) helps reduce blood clots.
    • Beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers help treat high blood pressure. They may also help prevent chest pain (angina) and regulate an arrhythmia. Beta-blockers also slow heart rate.
    • Digitalis and digoxin help treat heart failure and may help an irregular heartbeat.
    • Diuretics help treat high blood pressure, fluid balance, and heart failure. They are sometimes called water pills because they help your body get rid of extra water through urine.
    • Lipid-lowering medicines such as statins, help control your cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
    • Nitrates help prevent and treat angina.
    • Vasodilators help blood flow more easily through the arteries. Calcium channel blockers and nitrates are vasodilators.

    Tip

    Take heart medicines at the same time every day. This will keep the amount of medicine in your bloodstream at a steady level. Talk with your health care provider to see if you need to measure your blood pressure and heart rate before taking your medicine. Also talk with your provider if you have any questions about your medicines or develop any side effects.

    Online Medical Reviewer: Stacey Wojcik MBA BSN RN
    Online Medical Reviewer: Steven Kang MD
    Online Medical Reviewer: Terri Koson DNP RN ACNP
    Date Last Reviewed: 2/1/2025
    © 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
    horizontal line

    Southern New Mexico
    Surgery Center
    2301 Indian Wells Rd. Suite B
    Alamogordo, NM 88310
    www.snmsc.org

    Phone: 575.437.0890
    Fax: 575.437.0905
    Email: info@snmsc.org

    Copyright © The StayWell Company, LLC. except where otherwise noted.
    Disclaimer