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Medicines for Heart Disease

You will likely take several types of medicine for your heart disease. Some of the medicines reduce the chance of heart attack and stroke while others control blood pressure and cholesterol. You may also take medicines for other heart problems, such as heart failure or irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia). Other health conditions, such as diabetes, likely also need medicines.

Keeping track of your medicines and knowing what each does can get confusing. It's important to understand that all of these medicines need to be taken as prescribed for your best health outcome. Don't stop taking them without talking with your health care provider.

Types of medicines for heart disease

Many people with heart disease take the four medicines shown in this chart. Other common medicines are listed later. Your health care provider or cardiac rehab team can help you look at the types of medicines that have been prescribed for you.

Type of medicine

What it does

Statin

  • Lowers the amount of LDL ("bad') cholesterol and other fats in the blood. This lowers the chance of clogged arteries

  • May make your levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol better

ACE inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB)

  • Lowers blood pressure and eases the strain on the heart

  • Makes it easier for the heart to pump and improves blood flow

Antiplatelet

  • Prevents the platelets from sticking to blood vessel walls

  • Helps prevent blood clots. Clots could block an artery and cause a heart attack or stroke.

Beta-blocker

  • Lowers blood pressure and slows heart rate, which reduces the strain on your heart

  • They can also relieve angina (chest pain).

  • They may strengthen the heart's pumping action over time.

Other medicines you may take

Type of medicine

What it does

Antiarrhythmic

Helps slow down and control a fast or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)

Anticoagulant

Decreases the clotting (coagulating) ability of the blood. They are commonly known as blood thinners.

  • They help to reduce the risk that a blood clot will form.

  • They do not dissolve existing blood clots.

  • They may prevent the clots from becoming larger and causing more serious problems.

Antihypertensive

Helps lower blood pressure

Calcium channel blocker

Helps blood flow more easily through the arteries by widening (dilating) them

Diuretic

Helps your body get rid of extra water and sodium through urine. This is important if you have high blood pressure or heart failure.

Nitrate (nitroglycerin)

Helps prevent and treat angina (chest pain)

Vasodilator

Helps blood flow more easily through the arteries by widening the arteries

© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.