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Your heart is a vital organ that works tirelessly to keep you alive and healthy. But sometimes, it needs a little help to function at its best! That is where heart medications come into play. Keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol levels in check is essential for maintaining good heart health. When lifestyle changes alone are not enough, medications can play a crucial role in managing these conditions. Here, PatientsLikeMe will look at some of the most commonly prescribed medications for high blood pressure and high cholesterol. In this article, we will detail how they work, potential side effects, and why people use them or may choose not to.
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Here is your medication guide!
ACE Inhibitors
What they treat: High blood pressure, heart failure, diabetes, coronary artery disease, migraines.
How they work: ACE inhibitors relax blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow. There is an enzyme, called angiotensin 2, that narrows blood vessels. ACE inhibitors prevent them from doing this (hence inhibitors). This in turn lowers blood pressure and reduces the workload on the heart.
Examples: Benazepril, Captopril, Lisinopril, Enalapril.
Potential side effects: Dry cough, dizziness, elevated potassium levels, headaches, loss of taste.
Why people use them: ACE inhibitors are often used because they are very effective at lowering blood pressure and improving heart function. About 12.9 million people with Medicare Part D coverage were prescribed ACE inhibitors in 2019. Some people may avoid them due to developing a cough or concerns about their effect on kidney function. Taking them during pregnancy increases the risk of birth defects.
Beta-Blockers
What they treat: High blood pressure, heart failure, angina (chest pain), arrhythmias, migraines.
How they work: Beta-blockers block the effects of adrenaline, slowing the heart rate and reducing blood pressure. They also help to widen veins and arteries, which improves blood flow. This can help the heart work more efficiently.
Examples: Acebutolol, Bisoprolol, Metoprolol, Atenolol.
Potential side effects: Fatigue, dizziness, cold hands and feet, weight gain.
Why people use them: Beta-blockers are commonly used because they can help control heart rate and reduce the risk of heart attack. Approximately 30 million adults in the US use a beta-blocker of some kind. They are not, however, recommended as a first treatment if you only have high blood pressure. They will typically be prescribed after another medicine has been tried and failed. Some people may avoid them due to side effects like fatigue or dizziness. Rarer still are side effects like depression and trouble sleeping.
Calcium Channel Blockers
What they treat: High blood pressure, angina, irregular heart beats, coronary artery disease.
How they work: Calcium channel blockers relax and widen blood vessels, which helps to lower blood pressure and improve blood flow to the heart. They do this by stopping calcium from entering the cells of the heart and arteries. Calcium makes the heart squeeze with more force. Some channel blockers can also slow heart rate, which also lowers blood pressure.
Examples: Amlodipine, Diltiazem, Felodipine, Isradipine.
Potential side effects: Swelling in the legs, constipation, dizziness, tiredness, headache, nausea.
Why people use them: Calcium channel blockers are often prescribed because they are effective at lowering blood pressure and reducing the frequency of chest pain. They work well in people of all ages. Different types of channel blockers are also more effective at targeting specific conditions, and can work alongside other medications. Some people may avoid them due to side effects like swelling or constipation. Those who are pregnant, have heart or liver problems, or certain irregular heart rhythms should speak with a healthcare provider about potential risks.
Statins
What they treat: High cholesterol.
How they work: Statins reduce the production of cholesterol in the liver, which can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. LDL is considered the "bad" cholesterol because it builds up inside the arteries. This makes it more difficult for blood to move through them. They have also been linked to a lower risk of heart disease and stroke.
Examples: Atorvastatin, Fluvastin, Lovastatin, Rosuvastatin.
Potential side effects: Headaches, muscle pain, liver damage, nausea.
Why people use them: Statins are commonly prescribed to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. They are most commonly prescribed for people who cannot bring their cholesterol into a normal range through diet and exercise. Some people may avoid them due to concerns about side effects or the need for long-term medication use. They can interact with other medications, so it is important to discuss this with your doctor.
Diuretics (Water Pills)
What they treat: High blood pressure.
How they work: Diuretics help the body get rid of excess sodium and water. When salt and water are removed through the urine, there is less fluid flowing in your veins and arteries. This leads to a drop in blood pressure.
Examples: Hydrochlorothiazide, Chlorothiazide, Bumetanide, Furosemide.
Potential side effects: Dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, increased urination, dizziness, headaches.
Why people use them: Diuretics are often used as a first-line treatment for high blood pressure because they are effective and inexpensive. A list of America's most commonly prescribed drugs has two diuretics in the top 15. However, some people may avoid them due to side effects like frequent urination or electrolyte imbalances.
PCSK9 Inhibitors
What they treat: High cholesterol.
How they work: PCSK9 inhibitors help lower LDL cholesterol levels by blocking a protein that reduces the liver's ability to remove LDL from the blood. This protein is called PCSK9 (hence the name of the drug). Studies have shown if you naturally have high PCSK9, you are more likely to have high cholesterol.
Examples: Alirocumab, Evolocumab.
Potential side effects: Fatigue, muscle pain, injection site reactions, kidney or liver problems.
Why people use them: PCSK9 inhibitors are used to lower LDL cholesterol levels in people who cannot tolerate statins or who have not achieved their cholesterol goals with statin therapy. They are not tried until other medications have been shown not to work. They have, however, been shown to lower LDL by about 50%. However, some people may avoid them due to the need for regular injections or concerns about side effects.
Managing blood pressure and cholesterol is important for reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Medications play a crucial role in achieving and maintaining healthy levels. Remember that it is essential to work closely with your healthcare provider to find the right combination of medications and lifestyle changes that work best for you! Take your medications as prescribed and discuss any concerns or side effects with your doctor. With the right treatment plan and a medication guide, you can take control of your heart health and live a full, active life.
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