The types of medicines your doctor has prescribed depend on your heart condition. For people who have had a heart attack, it is normal to take more than one type of medicine. It is important that you take your medicines as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist. Never stop taking your medicines unless your doctor tells you to.
All medicines have possible side effects. Before starting a new medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist about the possible side effects. If you get any side effects, speak to your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible.
| Medicine type | How they work |
|---|---|
| Medicines to stop blood clots forming | Anticoagulants and antiplatelets can help prevent blood clots forming. Anticoagulants can also treat existing blood clots. These medicines reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke. If you have a stent, these medicines can help prevent blood components from sticking together and forming clots. |
| Medicines to manage blood pressure |
These medicines can help maintain a healthy blood pressure to improve the flow of oxygen and blood around the body. Some help the heart to pump more easily and more efficiently. Blood pressure medicines are also often prescribed to people who have had a heart attack or stroke to reduce the risk of further events. There are many different types of blood pressure medicines including:
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| Medicines to manage cholesterol | These medicines help improve your cholesterol and can prevent fatty plaques building up in blood vessels (arteries). These medicines also stabilise fatty plaques in the arteries, helping to prevent them from rupturing. A ruptured plaque can form a blood clot, which can block arteries and cause a heart attack or stroke. The names of these medicines often end in ‘statin’. |
| Medicines to prevent and treat angina |
These medicines are commonly called ‘nitrate medicines’. They improve the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart muscle. Beta blockers can also prevent angina (see medicines to manage blood pressure).
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Last updated15 May 2024