Angiogram AngioplastyCoronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG)MedicationGTN spray

Following a cardiac event you will be prescribed some or all of the following medication to reduce your risk of having another cardiac event. This is called secondary prevention medication. You will get the benefits for as long as you take them so you may be on these medications for life. These medications include Aspirin, Clopidogrel, Beta Blockers, ACE Inhibitors and Cholesterol Lowering Medication (Statins). Even when you feel better you will still benefit from taking these medications.

 

Before discharge you should receive specific information sheets for the medications you have been prescribed for your heart. If you are not given these please ask the cardiac rehabilitation nurse for them at your next appointment.

 

 

Preventative Medication

 

Aspirin (Anti platelet)

Aspirin reduces the risk of your blood clotting in the blood vessels supplying your heart muscle. You should take your aspirin with food to reduce the risk of it causing irritation to the lining of your stomach.

 

 

 

Clopidogrel (Anti platelet)

This is often used as well as Aspirin, particularly if you have had a heart attack.  Clopidogrel is usually prescribed for one year after an angioplasty and stent.

 

 

 

Betablocker

Beta blockers block the action of adrenaline in your body. By doing this they reduce your blood pressure and heart rate. They have been shown to reduce your risk of another heart attack if you have had one already.

 

 

 

Cholesterol lowering drug (Statin)

Statins will lower both your total cholesterol level and your level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) 'bad' cholesterol. They also help stabilize the fatty plaques in your arteries. You should report any symptoms of muscle pain, weakness or tenderness to your doctor as this can be a rare side effect of the medication and will need to be investigated if it occurs.

 

 

 

ACE Inhibitor

This drug helps your arteries to relax and widen by blocking the action of an enzyme which can cause your blood vessels to constrict. This action lowers your blood pressure. ACE Inhibitors have been shown to reduce your risk of a further cardiac event.

 

 

 

Nitrate

Your glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) spray is a nitrate.

 

Nitrates relax your coronary arteries and allow the blood to reach the heart muscle more easily.

 

 

 

 

You may be on a number of other medications. It is important that you understand what medications you are taking and why you are taking them. If you are unsure, please ask your doctor, cardiac rehabilitation nurse or pharmacist.

 

If you need to take any ‘over the counter’ medicines please discuss this with a pharmacist before you purchase them. Some of these drugs interact with your heart medicines.

 

 

 

 

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