In addition to adopting a healthy lifestyle (which includes regular physical activity and a healthy diet), medication is an essential prevention tool, and some medications are routinely prescribed for people with a heart disease.
Medications in this class decrease the risk of a blood clot forming in the arteries.
Aspirin:
Entrophen®
Rivasa®
Novasen®
Asaphen®
Clopidogrel:
Plavix®
Prasugrel:
Effient®
Ticagrelor
Brilinta®
There are many medications to lower cholesterol. The ones most commonly prescribed are called statins.
Class | Name | Indication | Possible side effects |
Statins |
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Fibrates |
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Resins |
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Nicotinic Acid |
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Medications that prevent the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine |
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Beta blockers :
Metoprolol (LopressorMD)
Atenolol (TenorminMD)
Sotalol (SotacorMD)
Bisoprolol (MonocorMD)
Carvédilol (CoregMD)
Acébutolol (SectralMD)
ACE inhibitors :
Ramipril (AltaceMD)
Quinapril (AccuprilMD)
Perindopril (CoversylMD)
Fisonopril (MonoprilMD)
Cilazapril (InhibaceMD)
Enalapril (VasotecMD)
Trandolapril (MavikMD)
As high blood pressure and diabetes are two major risk factors for coronary artery disease, they must be aggressively treated so as to minimize their harmful impact on heart health. The specific treatment for each condition requires close collaboration with your doctor.
All therapies must also include treatment for stress. If required, your doctor will prescribe anti-anxiety medication, sleep aids or anti-depressants.
Combined hormone therapy (progesterone and estrogen) is not a recognized treatment to protect postmenopausal women against coronary artery disease. This means that hormones may be recommended only to relieve the symptoms of menopause and not to prevent coronary artery disease.
For the treatment to be effective, you must take your medication as prescribed.
Drug treatment must always be combined with a healthy diet and regular physical activity.
In 1995, the Ordre des pharmaciens du Québec created a Drug Caution Code system to indicate precautions for over-the-counter drugs.
When you buy an over-the-counter medication, it is important to check the codes on the label.
What do the codes mean?
The Drug Caution Code is a system made up of 6 letters, each corresponding to a different warning.
General codes Cautions for everyone | ...A... | Drownsiness May cause drownsiness or impair alertness. Avoid alcohol and drugs with a sedative and/or relaxing effect, especially before driving a motor vehicle. |
...H... | Drug dependency May cause a drug habit. Must not be taken over a prolonged period. | |
...X... | Talk to your pharmacist Talk to your pharmacist before taking this product. He or she must explain the specific instructions to be followed when taking this medication. | |
Personal codes Consult your pharmacist | ...B... | Contraindication May be hazardous to your health if you suffer from hypertension, prostatic hypertrophy, hyperthyroidism (goitre) or if you are taking anti-depressants. |
...D... | Intolerance Contains aspirin. Must be avoided if you suffer from gout, stomach ulcers, or asthma or if you are taking an anticoagulant agent (blood thinner). | |
...E... | Diabetes Not recommended for diabetics. This medication may cause adverse effects. |