Heart and Vascular Medication

Most patients with heart or vascular disease are treated with medication. The right medications at the right dosages oftentimes can help a patient feel better and live longer. Physicians who have extensive experience with specific heart and vascular medications, apply them very aggressively to lessen a patient's symptoms. Most common are antiplatelet medicines, which prevent the smallest cells in blood from sticking together, or anticoagulants, which prevent the production of proteins needed for blood to clot normally.

Heart failure patients may take several medications, but three types of medication are most common: ace-inhibitors, to help open the veins and arteries; beta-blockers, to block the negative effects of excess adrenaline; and diuretics (water pills), to help the body get rid of excess fluids.

Some patients may be candidates for one of the many drug studies available for patients with heart failure. New medications are being tested that improve the muscle contractions of the heart, improve the output or volume of blood pumped by the heart, or slow the heart rate and lower blood pressure.

Contact Us

For an appointment or for more information about Heart and Vascular Medication, call (888) LUHS-888.