List of heart medications
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Comprehensive Overview of Heart Medications
Traditional Chinese Medication for Cardiovascular Disease
Traditional Chinese medication (TCM) is increasingly utilized for treating cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in China and other Asian countries. Despite its growing popularity, the therapeutic efficacy and adverse effects of TCM are challenging to evaluate due to the limited number of large-scale, randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A review of 68 RCTs involving 16,171 patients indicated that TCM significantly improved surrogate endpoints for hypertension, coronary heart disease, cardiac arrhythmias, and heart failure without increasing the risk of adverse effects compared to no intervention, placebo, or Western medications.
Improving Medication Adherence in Coronary Heart Disease
Medication adherence is crucial for managing coronary heart disease (CHD). Recent studies have identified several strategies to improve adherence, including enhancing patient-provider communication, utilizing mHealth technologies, providing patient education alongside lifestyle and behavioral counseling, and offering psychosocial support. These interventions primarily focused on ensuring patients take their medications as prescribed over time, with mixed results regarding the effectiveness of specific intervention designs.
Pharmacotherapies in Pediatric and Adult Heart Failure
Heart failure, a severe complication of various congenital and acquired disorders, requires a thorough understanding of pharmacotherapies. Common medications for chronic heart failure include beta-receptor antagonists (e.g., carvedilol, metoprolol), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, aldosterone receptor antagonists, and diuretics. Newer medications like serelaxin, ivabradine, and neprilysin inhibitors (e.g., sacubitril/valsartan) have shown promise in improving outcomes in both pediatric and adult patients .
Antiarrhythmic Drug Therapy and Cardiac Mortality
Antiarrhythmic drugs are used to manage atrial fibrillation but may increase cardiac mortality, particularly in patients with a history of congestive heart failure. Studies have shown that these patients have a significantly higher risk of cardiac and arrhythmic death when treated with antiarrhythmic medications compared to those not receiving such therapy.
Cardiovascular Drug Therapy in Elderly Patients
Elderly patients often require cardiovascular drugs for acute and chronic conditions. However, the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of these drugs can be significantly influenced by age-related changes and comorbidities. There is a need for more research to understand the specific effects of aging on these medications, especially in patients over 80 years old.
New Medications for Heart Failure
Recent advancements have introduced new medications for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, such as ivabradine and sacubitril/valsartan. Ivabradine decreases heart rate by targeting the If channels in the sinoatrial node, while sacubitril/valsartan combines a neprilysin inhibitor with an angiotensin receptor antagonist. These medications have shown improved clinical outcomes, including reduced hospitalizations and all-cause mortality.
Heart Failure Induced by Non-Cardiac Drugs
Certain non-cardiac drugs can induce or worsen heart failure. These include anticancer agents (e.g., anthracyclines), immunomodulating drugs, antidiabetic medications, and NSAIDs. Awareness of these potential adverse effects is crucial for managing patients with existing heart conditions.
Antiarrhythmic Drugs During Cardiac Arrest
The American Heart Association recommends considering amiodarone or lidocaine for treating shock-refractory ventricular fibrillation/pulseless ventricular tachycardia during cardiac arrest. These recommendations are based on recent evidence suggesting potential benefits in patient outcomes.
Conclusion
Heart medications encompass a wide range of drugs, each with specific indications, benefits, and potential risks. From traditional Chinese medications to advanced pharmacotherapies for heart failure and antiarrhythmic drugs, understanding the nuances of each treatment is essential for optimizing patient care and outcomes. Continued research and tailored interventions are necessary to address the diverse needs of patients with cardiovascular diseases.
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