If you've had a heart attack, you will most likely be prescribed medication that you will take for the rest of your life.
There are many types and combinations of drugs used to treat coronary artery disease (CAD), and your doctor or other health care provider will decide the best treatment combination for your situation.
The following gives you a quick look at many typical cardiac medications. Your prescription may have a different name from the ones listed on this chart. Brand names commonly available in the U.S. are shown in parentheses after the generic name for each drug.
*Some of the major types of commonly prescribed cardiovascular medications are summarized in this section. For your information and reference, we have included generic names as well as major trade names to help you identify what you may be taking. However, the AHA is not recommending or endorsing any specific products. If your prescription medication isn't on this list, remember that your healthcare provider and pharmacist are your best sources of information. It's important to discuss all of the drugs you take with your provider and understand their desired effects and possible side effects. Never stop taking a medication and never change your dose or frequency without first consulting the prescribing doctor.
(Also known as Blood Thinners.)
Decreases the clotting (coagulating) ability of the blood. Sometimes called blood thinners, although they do not actually thin the blood. They do NOT dissolve existing blood clots. Used to treat certain blood vessel, heart and lung conditions.
Keeps blood clots from forming by preventing blood platelets from sticking together.
Some patients who have heart attacks, that have stents placed in their coronary arteries, or undergo coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) are treated with two types of antiplatelet agents at the same time to prevent blood clotting. This is called dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT).
One antiplatelet agent is aspirin. Almost everyone with coronary artery disease, including those who have had a heart attack, stent, or CABG are treated with aspirin for the rest of their lives. A second type of antiplatelet agent, called a P2Y12 inhibitor, is usually prescribed for months or years in addition to the aspirin therapy.
The type of medication and the duration of your treatment will vary based on your condition and other risk factors. The risks and benefits of DAPT should be discussed with your health care provider.
These are general recommendations for the duration and type of dual anti-platelet therapy which could be used after coronary artery stenting, heart attack and CABG. Again, it is important to talk to your health care provider about your treatment plan.
Print a patient information sheet on DAPT (PDF).
Expands blood vessels and decreases resistance by lowering levels of angiotensin II. Allows blood to flow more easily and makes the heart's work easier or more efficient.
Rather than lowering levels of angiotensin II (as ACE inhibitors do) angiotensin II receptor blockers prevent this chemical from having any effect on the heart and blood vessels. This keeps blood pressure from rising.
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ARNIs are a drug combination of a neprilysin inhibitor and an ARB.
Neprilysin is an enzyme that breaks down natural substances in the body that open narrowed arteries. By limiting the effect of neprilysin, it increases the effects of these substances and improves artery opening and blood flow, reduces sodium (salt) retention, and decreases strain on the heart.
(Also known as Beta-Adrenergic Blocking Agents)
Decreases the heart rate and force of contraction, which lowers blood pressure and makes the heart beat more slowly and with less force.
Combined alpha and beta-blockers are used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure.
A noted possible side effect of combined alpha and beta-blockers:
(Also known as Calcium Antagonists or Calcium Blockers)
Interrupts the movement of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessels. May decrease the heart's pumping strength and relax blood vessels.
Various medications can lower blood cholesterol levels, but drugs other than statins are usually only used for patients in whom statins are not effective or who have serious side effects from statin therapy. They work in the body in different ways. Some affect the liver, some work in the intestines and some interrupt the formation of cholesterol from circulating in the blood. Watch an animation of how statins work.
Used to lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol.
*Some cholesterol-lowering medications may interact with grapefruit, grapefruit juice, pomegranate and pomegranate juice. Please talk to your health care provider about any potential risks.
Increases the force of the heart's contractions. Can be beneficial in treating heart failure and irregular heartbeats.
(Also known as Water Pills)
Causes the body to rid itself of excess fluids and sodium through urination. Helps to reduce the heart's workload. Also decreases the buildup of fluid in the lungs and other parts of the body, such as the ankles and legs. Different diuretics remove fluid at varied rates and through different methods.
Relaxes blood vessels and decreases blood pressure.
A category of vasodilators called nitrates increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart while reducing its workload which can ease chest pain (angina). Nitroglycerin is available as a pill to be swallowed or absorbed under the tongue (sublingual), a spray, and as a topical application (cream).
Written by American Heart Association editorial staff and reviewed by science and medicine advisers. See our editorial policies and staff.
Warning Signs of a Heart Attack
Understand Your Risks to Prevent a Heart Attack
Treatment of a Heart Attack
Life After a Heart Attack
Heart Attack Tools and Resources
Warning Signs of a Heart Attack
Understand Your Risks to Prevent a Heart Attack
Treatment of a Heart Attack
Life After a Heart Attack
Heart Attack Tools and Resources
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