Cardiovascular Drugs are medicines used to treat diseases of the heart and blood vessels. They help manage conditions such as high blood pressure, heart failure, angina, arrhythmias, and high cholesterol. These drugs work in different ways to improve heart function, regulate blood pressure, reduce strain on the heart, and improve blood flow.

Main Categories of Cardiovascular Drugs

1. Antihypertensives

   • Lower high blood pressure.

   • Examples: Amlodipine, Atenolol, Enalapril, Losartan.

2. Antianginal Drugs

   • Improve blood flow to the heart and reduce chest pain (angina).

   • Examples: Nitroglycerin, Isosorbide dinitrate, Ranolazine.

3. Antiarrhythmic Drugs

   • Correct irregular heartbeats.

   • Examples: Amiodarone, Procainamide, Sotalol.

4. Diuretics

   • Help remove excess salt and water from the body, reducing blood pressure and heart strain.

   • Examples: Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide, Spironolactone.

5. Beta-Blockers

   • Reduce heart rate and workload on the heart.

   • Examples: Metoprolol, Propranolol, Bisoprolol.

6. Calcium Channel Blockers

   • Relax blood vessels and improve blood supply to the heart.

   • Examples: Verapamil, Diltiazem, Amlodipine.

7. ACE Inhibitors & ARBs

   • Relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure.

   • Examples: Ramipril, Lisinopril (ACE inhibitors); Losartan, Valsartan (ARBs).

8. Anticoagulants & Antiplatelets

   • Prevent blood clots.

   • Examples: Heparin, Warfarin, Aspirin, Clopidogrel.

9. Lipid-Lowering Drugs

   • Reduce cholesterol and triglycerides to protect the heart.

   • Examples: Atorvastatin, Rosuvastatin, Simvastatin.

10. Drugs for Heart Failure

• Improve pumping function and reduce fluid buildup.

• Examples: Digoxin, Sacubitril/valsartan.

Key Notes

• Cardiovascular drugs are often taken long-term.

• Choice of drug depends on the specific heart or blood vessel condition.

• Many patients may require a combination of these medicines for effective control.