Types of Cardiac Medications
Understanding your heart medicines and how they help
At London Heart Group, our consultant cardiologists provide expert assessment and tailored treatment for all heart conditions. For many patients, cardiac medications are essential to control symptoms, improve heart function, and reduce the risk of future complications such as heart attacks or stroke.
Below you’ll find an overview of the most common classes of heart medications — what they do, why they’re prescribed, and how they help protect your heart.
Antiplatelet Medicines
Examples: Aspirin, Clopidogrel, Ticagrelor, Prasugrel
What they do:
Antiplatelet drugs make platelets (a type of blood cell involved in clotting) less “sticky.” This reduces the likelihood of clots forming inside your arteries — helping to keep blood flowing smoothly to your heart and brain.
Why they’re prescribed:
After a heart attack, stent placement, or angioplasty
To prevent clot formation in coronary artery disease
Sometimes for people with peripheral arterial disease or stroke risk
Important information:
These medications are often taken long-term, sometimes in combination (e.g. aspirin + clopidogrel for several months after a stent).
Your cardiologist will check for any bleeding risks or stomach irritation, and may recommend a stomach-protecting medicine (such as omeprazole) if needed.
Anticoagulants (“Blood Thinners”)
Examples: Warfarin, Apixaban, Rivaroxaban, Dabigatran, Edoxaban
What they do:
Anticoagulants slow the blood-clotting process by interfering with clotting proteins in the blood. They help prevent dangerous clots that could cause strokes, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or pulmonary embolism (PE).
Why they’re prescribed:
To prevent stroke in atrial fibrillation (AF)
After mechanical heart valve surgery
Following blood clots in the veins or lungs
Sometimes after heart attack or heart failure with specific risk factors
Important information:
Warfarin requires regular INR blood tests to ensure safe levels, whereas newer agents (called DOACs, e.g. apixaban or rivaroxaban) usually don’t need frequent monitoring.
You’ll be advised on safe use, bleeding precautions, and what to do before surgery or dental work.
Beta-Blockers
Examples: Bisoprolol, Metoprolol, Atenolol, Carvedilol, Nebivolol
What they do:
Beta-blockers work by slowing your heart rate and reducing its workload. They block the effects of stress hormones (like adrenaline) on the heart.
Why they’re prescribed:
To treat high blood pressure and angina (chest pain)
After a heart attack to help protect the heart muscle
For heart failure to improve heart function and survival
To control heart rhythm disorders such as atrial fibrillation
Important information:
You may notice a slightly slower pulse or mild tiredness at first. These effects usually improve as your body adjusts. Your doctor will start with a low dose and gradually increase it.
They’re not usually suitable for patients with severe asthma.
ACE Inhibitors and ARBs
Examples: Ramipril, Perindopril, Lisinopril (ACE inhibitors); Candesartan, Losartan, Valsartan (ARBs)
What they do:
These medicines relax and widen blood vessels, reducing strain on the heart and lowering blood pressure. They also help prevent further heart enlargement and scarring.
Why they’re prescribed:
For heart failure to improve survival and reduce symptoms
After a heart attack, to protect the heart muscle
To protect the kidneys in diabetes or hypertension
Important information:
ACE inhibitors can sometimes cause a dry cough — if this happens, an ARB is often used instead.
Your kidney function and potassium levels are monitored regularly, especially when starting or adjusting the dose.
Diuretics (“Water Tablets”)
Examples: Furosemide, Bumetanide, Spironolactone, Eplerenone, Indapamide
What they do:
Diuretics help your body get rid of excess fluid and salt through urine. This reduces swelling in the ankles and lungs, easing breathlessness and pressure on the heart.
Why they’re prescribed:
For heart failure, to relieve fluid retention
To help control blood pressure
To ease shortness of breath and improve comfort
Important information:
Your doctor may check your kidney function and electrolytes (especially potassium) regularly.
Some diuretics like spironolactone also have protective effects on the heart in heart failure.
You may notice more frequent urination, especially soon after taking a dose.
Statins (Cholesterol-Lowering Medicines)
Examples: Atorvastatin, Rosuvastatin, Simvastatin
What they do:
Statins reduce levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol and stabilise fatty deposits (plaques) in your arteries. This helps prevent blockages that can lead to heart attacks or strokes.
Why they’re prescribed:
After a heart attack, angioplasty, or bypass surgery
For high cholesterol or coronary artery disease
To reduce long-term cardiovascular risk in diabetes or hypertension
Important information:
Statins are usually taken once daily, often in the evening.
Your liver function will be checked periodically.
Most people tolerate them well; mild muscle aches sometimes occur but are rarely serious.
Nitrates and Vasodilators
Examples: Glyceryl Trinitrate (GTN spray or tablets), Isosorbide Mononitrate, Hydralazine
What they do:
These drugs relax and widen blood vessels, improving blood flow to the heart muscle and reducing its workload.
Why they’re prescribed:
To relieve or prevent angina (chest pain)
Sometimes for heart failure, to improve blood flow and reduce pressure in the heart
Important information:
GTN spray works within minutes to relieve angina symptoms — it can also be used before exertion.
Long-acting nitrates (like isosorbide mononitrate) help prevent attacks.
Common side effects include headache or flushing, especially when first starting treatment.
Calcium Channel Blockers
Examples: Amlodipine, Diltiazem, Verapamil
What they do:
These medicines relax the muscles of your blood vessels and can also slow electrical signals in the heart, reducing blood pressure and helping with rhythm control.
Why they’re prescribed:
For high blood pressure
To relieve angina
To manage certain arrhythmias (especially with Verapamil or Diltiazem)
Important information:
They’re often used when beta-blockers aren’t suitable.
Possible side effects include ankle swelling or mild flushing.
They work best when taken consistently at the same time each day.
Anti-Arrhythmic Drugs
Examples: Amiodarone, Flecainide, Sotalol, Dronedarone
What they do:
These medicines regulate the electrical signals in your heart, helping to maintain a normal rhythm or prevent irregular beats.
Why they’re prescribed:
For atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, or ventricular arrhythmias
After ablation or defibrillator implantation
In selected patients after a heart attack
Important information:
Anti-arrhythmics are powerful medicines that require careful monitoring.
Amiodarone, for example, may affect thyroid or lung function, so periodic blood tests and check-ups are essential.
Your cardiologist will ensure these medicines are used safely and effectively.
Modern Heart Failure Medicines
Examples: Sacubitril/Valsartan (Entresto), SGLT2 inhibitors (Empagliflozin, Dapagliflozin), Ivabradine
What they do:
These newer medicines improve how efficiently the heart pumps blood and reduce hospital admissions for people with heart failure.
Why they’re prescribed:
For chronic heart failure with reduced heart function
To reduce breathlessness and fatigue
To improve life expectancy and quality of life
Important information:
SGLT2 inhibitors (originally diabetes medications) have strong evidence for heart protection even in patients without diabetes.
Sacubitril/Valsartan combines two drugs to relax blood vessels and enhance heart performance.
Your cardiologist will monitor blood pressure and kidney function as doses are optimised.
Taking Cardiac Medicines Safely
Always take your medicines exactly as prescribed.
Don’t stop or change doses without speaking to your doctor, this will likely cause a rebound effect in symptoms.
Tell your cardiologist about any side effects or new symptoms. If you can’t tolerate a medication there are always alternatives.
Bring an up-to-date medication list to each appointment.
Let your healthcare providers know you take heart medication before any new prescription, dental procedure, or surgery.
Book a Consultation
If you’re taking heart medication or wish to review your current treatment plan, our expert cardiologists can provide a detailed assessment and ensure you’re receiving the safest, most effective therapy. Call us on 0208 226 5888 or email enquiries@londonheartgroup.co.uk
Expert advice, evidence-based treatment, and ongoing support for every heartbeat.