What are the side effects of the 10 most common cardiovascular drugs? Who is it suitable for?

Mondo Health Updated on 2024-02-10

On a cold winter morning, Mr. Zhang, a 65-year-old retired teacher, suddenly felt a sharp pain in his chest that he had never experienced before. Fortunately, his family quickly rushed him to the nearest hospital. After examination, the doctor told him that it was an angina attack, and then the doctor prescribed a series of cardiovascular drugs. Mr. Zhang followed the doctor's instructions and began to take the medication, but he soon discovered that in addition to the relief brought by the medication, it was accompanied by some *** that he did not expect

Cases like Mr. Zhang's are not uncommon around us. Cardiovascular disease is a major health killer worldwide, affecting countless families. This has been followed by an increasing demand for cardiovascular drugs. However, every drug has its double-edged sword properties, both effective and possibleIn the face of a dazzling array of cardiovascular drugs on the market, how do we choose?

ACE inhibitors, representative drugs such as enalapril, are powerful tools for controlling increased blood pressure in systemic arteries. They reduce the production of angiotensin II by blocking a substance in the body called angiotensin-converting enzyme, which causes blood vessels to constrict. As a result, blood vessels dilate, blood pressure drops, and the heart is less worked. In addition to blood pressure management in patients with impaired glucose metabolism, enalapril can improve heart function, especially in patients with heart failure, and significantly improve quality of life. However,When using, it is necessary to be vigilant against dry cough, hyperkalemia, etc., and closely monitor the patient's condition.

- Blockers: Shields of the heart

Blockers, such as metoprolol, act on adrenergic receptors on the heart and blood vessels, reduce heart rate, reduce cardiac workload, and effectively reduce increased blood pressure in systemic arteries. They also have the effect of slowing the tachycardiac rhythm and protecting the heart from overstimulation, which is especially important for people with coronary artery disease. Metoprolol relieves chest pain caused by overworking the heart and improves survival. However, in the application, it is necessary to pay attention to the fatigue and cold hands and feet that it may bring*** For patients with a history of asthma, it should be carefully selected.

Calcium channel blockers: calming messengers of blood vessels

Calcium channel blockers, such as nifedipine, reduce the contraction of the blood vessel wall by blocking the entry of calcium ions into the cells of the heart and blood vessel walls, thereby dilating blood vessels and lowering blood pressure. They fight angina pectoris, reduce symptoms by improving blood supply to the heart. Nifedipine is particularly suitable for patients with headache and chest pain caused by increased systemic arterial blood pressure, and it also has a good effect on patients with angina. Nonetheless, patients may experience headaches or edema of the lower limbs such as *** need to adjust the dosage under the guidance of a doctor.

Diuretics: regulators of the body's water flow

Diuretics, such as furosemide, lower blood pressure and reduce the burden on the heart and blood vessels by increasing urine output to remove excess salt and water from the body. They are essential for the management of heart failure and elevated blood pressure in the systemic arteries, and are effective in reducing symptoms such as edema caused by fluid accumulation. However,During the use of diuretics, it is necessary to pay attention to possible electrolyte imbalance and dehydration problems, and regularly check blood indicators to ensure safe use.

ARBs, such as loxatan, act as angiotensin II receptor antagonists, providing another way to lower blood pressure and protect the heart. They directly block the effects of angiotensin II, reduce vasoconstriction and increase blood pressure, and are an ideal choice for patients who cannot tolerate ACE inhibitors. Loxatan has shown good results in improving heart function and reducing cardiovascular risk, but it is also important to monitor blood pressure and electrolyte levels to ensure efficacy and safety.

Warfarin: The gatekeeper of blood strain

Warfarin, a commonly used oral anticoagulant drug, effectively prevents blood strain formation by inhibiting the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, thereby prolonging blood clotting time. It is widely used in patients after atrial fibrillation and prosthetic heart valve replacement to prevent blood strain and embolic events. However, the use of warfarin requires strict monitoring of the International Normalized Ratio (INR) to avoid the risk of bleeding. Patients should avoid high dietary intake of vitamin K while taking warfarin and keep their INR within the target range.

Aspirin: the little giant of cardiovascular protection

Aspirin, as a platelet aggregation inhibitor, is an important drug for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases by inhibiting the aggregation of platelets and reducing blood cell formation. It is particularly suitable for patients with a history of cardiovascular disease, such as coronary artery disease, those who have experienced myocardial infarction. However, aspirin is not suitable for everyone, and the risk of gastrointestinal discomfort and bleeding needs to be evaluated by both the patient and the doctor.

Nitroglycerin: a first-aid medicine for quick relief from angina

Nitroglycerin, a fast-acting heart-saving drug, rapidly relieves angina symptoms by dilating blood vessels. Its mechanism of action is to increase blood flow to the heart and reduce the burden on the heart. Nitroglycerin can be administered sublingually during the attack of angina, acting quickly, and is a heart-saving drug that is easy to carry and effective. Long-term use should be aware of the possible drug resistance, as well as headaches***

Digoxin: A veteran who strengthens the heart

Digoxin, a digital drug, is used for heart failure and certain types of arrhythmias by enhancing cardiac contractility and improving the efficiency of heart pumping. Digoxin is unique in that it has a narrow window between efficacy and toxicity, requiring careful monitoring of blood concentrations and electrolyte levels to ensure it is safe and effective. It is suitable for patients with heart failure who have failed to respond to other ** methods.

Statins: the guardian god of lipid-lowering and heart-saving

Statins, by inhibiting cholesterol synthesis in the liver, reduce blood levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), are effective in preventing coronary artery disease and cardiovascular events. As one of the most effective lipid-lowering drugs, statins are essential for patients with hyperlipidemia and those at risk of cardiovascular disease. StillStatins should be used to monitor liver function and muscle symptoms to ensure that they are safe.

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