Alpha blockers, short for alpha-adrenergic blocking agents, help dilate vessels and lower blood pressure by blocking alpha receptors, which promote constriction of arterioles. Working on the autonomic nervous system, they also inhibit norepinephrine, a hormone that raises blood pressure when we react to stress. Alpha blockers can reduce the heart's load in some situations. Commonly prescribed alpha blockers are:

When the risk of heart attack is elevated, calcium channel blockers are often prescribed. These synthetic drugs block the flow of calcium, which allows muscles to contract, affecting the size of the blood vessels. They may also help prevent spasms of the coronary arteries, lessening the risk of heart attack. Commonly prescribed calcium channel blockers are:

When other medications prove ineffective, sometimes a combination of alpha and beta blockers is used. Commonly prescribed combination blockers are:

The 1970's saw a new class of drugs that prevent production of angiotensin II, a hormone that constricts blood vessels. Called ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors, they control other hormones related to heart disease and those which relieve edema. This can improve blood flow to some organs and reduce the demand during heart failure. They have been helpful in reducing blood pressure and help prolong lives while managing symptoms in congestive heart failure. They sometimes cause a coughing reaction. Caution: these medications may react with Tagamet (cimetidine) which is available without prescription. Some commonly prescribed ACE inhibitors are:

Anticoagulants help prevent clots (and prevent the enlargement of those already formed) in the blood. These are also used for persons during and after heart surgery. A commonly prescribed anticoagulant is: warfarin = Coumadin / Panwarfin. Platelets are cells that stick together and form clots, and antiplatelets, such as dipyridamole = Persantine are used to help reduce this tendency in cases where it becomes necessary. Aspirin is the most common of the antiplatelets. These drugs are often called blood thinners, but that name does not correctly describe their function.

Drugs that reduce fluid retention are called diuretics. These lower blood pressure by causing the kidneys to excrete more salt and water, which reduces blood volume. While these are often effective in reducing hypertension, they may cause a loss of potassium, which should be checked occasionally. There is evidence that in some people, cholesterol or glucose levels may rise with the use of diuretics. Some commonly prescribed diuretics are:

Nitrates are one of the most commonly used medications when the threat of heart attack is present. Many patients are advised to carry a small pill (or a spray) to place under the tongue when angina starts. This drug eases the efforts of the left ventricle, dilates vessels and lowers blood pressure. It also reduces spasm of the coronary arteries. They are extremely fast acting, and can be the difference between life and death when a heart attack is starting. While they relieve angina, they often cause strong headaches, although these usually taper off in a short while. Commonly prescribed nitrates are:

Often two or more of these drugs are prescribed for maximum effectiveness. Some of these have been combined in a single dose. The choice of a combination medication is a decision your physician makes based on your particular condition. Since there are multiple effects, directions should be followed exactly and they should not be taken at different doses without consulting with your doctor. Their main advantage is the convenience of only having to take one pill and they may be less expensive than the total of the individual costs. Commonly prescribed combinations are:

In addition to drugs that deal directly with heart and vessel functions, some medications lower the risk of heart attack by lowering blood cholesterol levels. Dietary changes are the most effective way to lower cholesterol for most people and these changes seldom have side effects, unlike medication. Cholesterol-lowering drugs should only be used after a sincere attempt has been made to reduce dietary cholesterol and fat intake for at least three months. These drugs should never be used in place of a modified diet, but only as a supplement. Cholesterol-lowering drugs have many side effects and can interfere with the actions of other medications. Full understanding of the effects and careful consideration of alternatives is advised before starting on these. Some commonly prescribed cholesterol lowering agents are: