If you’ve had a heart attack, your doctor has probably prescribed medicines you’ll need to take for a long time. These medicines:
- Help improve blood flow to your heart
- Prevent blood clotting
- Reduce your risk of having more heart problems in the future
Path to improved health
Below is information about medicines that are commonly prescribed to treat heart attack. This includes their benefits, risks, and side effects. If you have questions or concerns about the medicines you’re taking, talk to your doctor.
ACE inhibitors
ACE inhibitors can improve how your heart pumps, making it pump more effectively. This type of medicine improves blood flow by helping to dilate (open) your arteries. It also lowers your blood pressure.
If you have acute coronary syndrome (ACS), your doctor may want you to take an ACE inhibitor. Having ACS means that you have reduced blood flow to the heart. It could be caused by a variety of conditions. One ACE inhibitor might be all the medicine you need. Or your doctor may prescribe one in combination with other medicines. These could include a diuretic or a beta blocker.
Side effects: ACE inhibitors don’t usually cause troublesome side effects. The most common side effect is a dry cough. More rare side effects include:
- Dizziness
- Reduced appetite
- Fatigue (feeling out of energy)
- Problems with your kidneys
- An increase in the level of potassium in the blood
Risks: Because ACE inhibitors can cause birth defects, pregnant women shouldn’t take this medicine.
In rare cases, ACE inhibitors can lead to a serious allergic reaction. This reaction can cause swelling in certain areas of the body. It’s more common in black people and people who smoke. It can be life-threatening. You should get immediate medical attention if you experience swelling after taking an ACE inhibitor.
Aspirin
Your doctor may want you to take a low dose of aspirin each day if you have already had a heart attack. Aspirin helps keep your blood from forming clots. Blood clots can clog the arteries that carry blood and oxygen to the heart. Blockages in these arteries increase your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
Side effects: Common side effects of aspirin include nausea and upset stomach. Rarely, some people feel nervous or have difficulty falling asleep when taking aspirin. Call your doctor if your symptoms are bothersome.
Risks: Aspirin is not for everyone. Aspirin can increase your risk of stomach ulcers. It can also cause bleeding in your stomach and intestines. Doctors prescribe a low dose of aspirin for people who have ACS. The dosage is usually between 81 and 162 mg per day. The low dose provides the same benefits as a higher dose. But there is less risk of internal bleeding.
Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of aspirin therapy. They will prescribe the aspirin dose that’s right for you and tell you how to take it.
Beta blockers
Beta blockers lower the heart rate and blood pressure. They help improve blood flow to the heart, reduce chest pain, and prevent more damage to the heart. Your doctor may want you to take a beta blocker alone. Or they may want you to take it in combination with other medicines. These could include a diuretic or an ACE inhibitor.
Side effects: The side effects of beta blockers tend to be mild. Common side effects include cold hands, fatigue, dizziness, and weakness. Less common side effects include shortness of breath, difficulty sleeping, depression, and decreased sex drive.
Risks: Not all beta blockers are safe for people. Beta blockers are not recommended for people who have asthma. This type of medicine can trigger severe asthma attacks.
Beta blockers may make it difficult for people with diabetes to recognize signs of low blood sugar. One of these signs is rapid heartbeat. If you have diabetes, your doctor will probably tell you to check your blood sugar often.
Stopping beta blockers abruptly increases the risk of heart problems. If you need to stop taking a beta blocker, it’s important to stop gradually. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
Antiplatelets
Antiplatelet medicines help prevent blood clots. They don’t allow certain cells in the blood (called platelets) to clump together. This reduces the risk of blockages in the coronary arteries that can lead to heart attack and stroke. They’re sometimes prescribed along with aspirin therapy.
Side effects: Some common side effects of antiplatelet medicines include:
- Nausea
- Upset stomach
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Itching
- Rash
Talk to your doctor if you experience side effects while taking this medicine.
Risks: Because antiplatelet drugs prevent blood clotting, they can increase the risk of serious bleeding in some people.
Diuretics
Diuretics (water pills) help the body get rid of extra sodium (salt) and fluid. They reduce the amount of fluid flowing through your blood vessels. This lowers your blood pressure. Diuretics are commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure. They are sometimes used in combination with beta blockers and ACE inhibitors.
Side effects: Common side effects of diuretics include:
- Increased urination
- Increased thirst
- Fatigue
- Muscle cramps
- Low blood pressure
Less common side effects include increased blood sugar, increased cholesterol, irregular menstrual periods in women, and impotence in men.
Risks: People who take diuretics can have too much or too little potassium in their blood. This depends on the type of diuretic they take.
Statins
Statins are used to lower “bad” cholesterol (LDL) levels. They may also help increase “good” cholesterol (HDL) levels. Most people who take statins will take this type of medicine for the rest of their lives.
Side effects: Muscle pain is the most common side effect of statins. The pain can be mild or severe. Less common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, gas, and constipation. People who take statins may also get a rash. This side effect is more common when a statin is taken in combination with niacin. This is another medicine used to lower cholesterol levels.
You’re at higher risk of having side effects from statins if you:
- Are a woman
- Are age 65 or older
- Have liver or kidney disease
- Have type 1 or type 2 diabetes
- Take several types of medicine
Some people may feel discouraged by the side effects caused by statins. However, the side effects are not usually life-threatening. Your doctor can help you find ways to manage them. If you’re worried about side effects, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking statins.
Risks: In some people, statins can cause liver damage.
Anticoagulants (blood thinners)
Blood thinners don’t actually thin the blood. They decrease the ability of the blood to clot. This helps prevent clots from forming in the blood vessels. It also may prevent clots from becoming larger. Large clots can cause more serious problems.
Side Effects: The most significant side effect of blood thinners is bleeding. Your blood doesn’t clot as easily. If you cut or injure yourself, you’ll bleed more than normal. The risk of bleeding being a major event is low.
Blood thinners can cause interactions. These could be with some foods, prescription medicines, or over-the-counter supplements. Less serious side effects include:
- Swelling at the injection site
- Diarrhea, vomiting, or inability to eat
- Fever
- Heavier than normal menstrual periods or bleeding between periods
Risks: Some people who take blood thinners are more at risk of having bleeding problems. These include people who:
- Are older than 75
- Take other blood-thinning medicines
- Have high blood pressure
- Have cancer
- Have problems with their kidneys or liver
Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medicines or supplements you take. Tell other health care providers that you are taking a blood thinner.
Things to consider
All medicines can cause side effects. They also can carry risks for certain people. Always tell your doctor about any medicines you take. Tell them about any side effects you’re experiencing. Make sure they know your full medical history so they can prescribe the best medicine for you.
Questions to ask your doctor
- What is the best medicine for me?
- Should I take more than one medicine after having a heart attack?
- Am I at risk for complications from any of these medicines?
- What types of side effects can I expect from the medicines you are prescribing?
Resources
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: Heart Attack
National Institutes of Health, MedlinePlus: Heart Attack
