Medicines can help keep symptoms under control and treat a heart condition. They can reduce the risk of heart conditions by managing blood pressure, improving heart function and circulation as well as reducing cholesterol and making blood less sticky.
Medicines for Heart Conditions
There are many different types of medications available and these will be prescribed for you by your doctor or prescriber. The dose may need adjusted over time to ensure they are at the optimum dose for you. Routine blood tests may be required to manage your treatment effectively.
It is important to know that your medications have been prescribed for you. Each person is individual and that not all people with a cardiac condition will be on the same medications or dose. If you have any concerns or questions about your medicines, speak with your GP, nurse or pharmacist.
You can find further information and detailed information on particular medications on the following links BHF Medication Information or CHSS Medication Information.
Side effects
Are rare and can settle after a couple of weeks. Please do not stop taking medications without discussing with your GP or medical doctor, nurse or cardiac rehab professional. Alternatives or dose adjustments may be made to reduce side effects and find the medication that is right for you.
You may be asked to monitor your blood pressure if you have a monitor available as these readings can be useful to ensure you are on the correct dose of medications for you.
Supply
Please ensure you have a system for taking your medication, perhaps using a dosette box but keep the original boxes for reference. Also ensure you do not run out of medication and ask for a repeat prescription in enough time to ensure you have a continuous supply.
When to take your medication
Please continue to take your medication as prescribed even if you feel better, as stopping the medication could lead to a complication or further cardiac event. If you find managing your medication is difficult please ask your Doctor, cardiac rehab professional or pharmacist for advice.
Most medications need to be taken regularly. Some will need to be taken when you experience a symptom such as angina. You should always follow your doctor’s instructions.
If you’ve missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and take the next dose at its scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Discuss all over the counter remedies with your pharmacist to make sure they won’t interact with any prescribed drugs you are taking
Click to view or download the BHF’s Medicines for my Heart leaflet BHF’s Medicines for my heart leaflet.
