Latest News

As a cardiologist, I often help patients understand their conditions by explaining how their heart functions. This helps simplify complex medical concepts, making them more accessible. This approach empowers individuals to grasp the impact …

Magnesium has long been a staple in diets globally around the world. Present in abundance in many foods …

Cardiac monitoring devices are essential tools in cardiology, providing invaluable insights into the heart’s electrical activity. This article …

Blood pressure is a crucial indicator of your heart health, and understanding how to measure it correctly is …

Editorial Spotlight

Home Heart Matters

Prof. Peter Barlis - Editor

Thank you for visiting heartmatters.com. We aim to empower you with valuable, easy-to-understand heart health insights, cutting through jargon. Whether you aim to control your heart health, manage an existing condition, or enhance your knowledge of heart wellness, Heart Matters is your go-to guide to help you achieve your goals.

Search articles

Home Heart Matters

Popular Articles

Platforms

ConditionsEXPLORE

SymptomsEXPLORE

During my follow-up consultations with patients after their discharge from the hospital following treatment for a heart attack, a common theme emerges: many recount initially attributing their chest discomfort to heartburn or indigestion. Often, …

During my follow-up consultations with patients after their discharge from the hospital following treatment for a heart attack, …

As a Cardiologist, I frequently hear patients discussing a dry cough – one of the more common symptoms …

Our heart relies on a precise electrical system to maintain rhythm and function. This system works silently in …

Dizziness is a seemingly innocuous sensation that can leave us disoriented, unsteady, and anxious. While a momentary bout …

Swelling of the ankles, also known as edema, is a common condition that can be caused by a …

Chest pain is a common symptom that can be concerning, as it is can be associated with heart-related …

Our Education Platforms

Evidence-based articles and expert tips for a vibrant life.
Let's unravel symptom mysteries and equip you with insights for a healthier, informed life.
We delve into a diverse array of conditions, simplifying complex terminology.
Explore everything from cholesterol screenings to stress tests and other cardiac evaluations.
We dive deep into the various drugs used in the management of heart conditions
Your go-to resource for all things latest in cardiovascular health studies and research.

dont miss a beat

Stay informed about cardiovascular health with our newsletter. Get the latest insights, valuable tips, expert advice, and educational content delivered straight to your inbox.

Empowering heart health

Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first to receive valuable insights, tips, and resources on heart health.

other anti-anginals

When first-line therapies for angina, such as beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and nitrates, prove inadequate or are not well-tolerated, second-line therapies may be considered.
Perhexiline is a unique medication that enhances the heart's ability to utilize fatty acids for energy, reducing its reliance on oxygen and lowering oxygen demand. This action helps improve blood flow and alleviates chest pain in some patients with refractory angina.
Nicorandil is another second-line option with a dual mechanism of action. It opens potassium channels in smooth muscle cells, causing vasodilation and enhancing coronary blood flow. Additionally, nicorandil also stimulates nitric oxide release, further dilating blood vessels and reducing heart workload.
Trimetazidine is an anti-ischemic agent that improves cardiac efficiency by enhancing glucose metabolism and shifting the heart's energy production to a more oxygen-efficient process. As second-line therapies, these medications offer alternative approaches for managing angina in individuals who do not respond adequately to first-line treatments or those experiencing side effects from other medications.

lipid lowering therapies

Lipid-lowering therapies play a critical role in managing coronary artery disease (CAD), a condition characterized by the narrowing of blood vessels that supply the heart. Among the most commonly discussed and debated classes of medications are statins, which effectively reduce cholesterol levels and are widely prescribed to lower the risk of cardiovascular events. Alongside statins, other medications like ezetimibe, fibrates, and niacin are also utilized to target specific aspects of lipid metabolism, such as cholesterol absorption, triglyceride levels, and raising high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Additionally, the introduction of medications that inhibit PCSK9, an enzyme involved in cholesterol metabolism, has provided a promising new approach to further lower LDL cholesterol levels. These PCSK9 inhibitors, such as Repatha (evolocumab), have shown significant efficacy in reducing LDL cholesterol levels in patients with CAD, especially for those who may not respond well to traditional therapies.

Nitrates

Nitrates are widely used to treat angina and provide quick relief for chest pain. Commonly available in the form of sublingual sprays or tablets, patches, and long-acting tablets, nitrates work by dilating blood vessels, allowing for increased blood flow and reduced resistance. This dilation eases the heart's workload, leading to a decreased demand for oxygen and prompt alleviation of angina symptoms. Sublingual nitrates act rapidly and are often used to provide immediate relief during angina attacks, while patches and long-acting tablets are employed for preventive purposes. However, nitrates may cause side effects such as headaches, dizziness, and flushing, which usually subside over time.

calcium channel blockers

Calcium channel blockers, including amlodipine, felodipine, cardizem (diltiazem), and verapamil, are commonly prescribed for the treatment of angina. These medications work by inhibiting the influx of calcium into the muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels, leading to their relaxation. As a result, blood vessels widen, promoting improved blood flow and reduced blood pressure. In the context of angina, this relaxation decreases the heart's workload, lowering the demand for oxygen and alleviating chest pain. Calcium channel blockers offer a valuable treatment option for individuals with angina, but it is essential to be aware of potential side effects, which may include headaches, dizziness, flushing, and ankle swelling.

Beta blockers

Beta blockers, such as metoprolol, propranolol, atenolol, carvedilol, and bisoprolol, play a crucial role in treating angina. By blocking certain receptors in the heart, they effectively reduce heart rate and the force of contraction, thereby easing the heart's workload. This mechanism of action leads to a decreased demand for oxygen, making beta blockers highly effective in relieving chest pain associated with angina. As with any medication, it's important to consider potential side effects, including tiredness, worsened asthma, erectile dysfunction in some males, and more vivid dreams during sleep. Consult your healthcare provider to determine the suitability of beta blockers for managing your angina and overall heart health.

Anti-platelet Medications

Anti-platelet medications play a crucial role in preventing blood clot formation, reducing the risk of serious cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. Among the widely used anti-platelet drugs are aspirin, clopidogrel, and ticagrelor.

Aspirin: This well-known medication inhibits platelet activation, making it less likely for platelets to stick together and form clots. Aspirin is commonly used for primary and secondary prevention of heart attacks and strokes.

Clopidogrel: As a potent anti-platelet agent, clopidogrel works by blocking specific receptors on platelets, preventing them from aggregating. It is often prescribed to patients with acute coronary syndrome, those undergoing stent procedures, and for some cases of peripheral arterial disease.

Ticagrelor: Ticagrelor is another effective anti-platelet drug that works by inhibiting platelet activation. It is used in acute coronary syndrome, often given alongside aspirin to reduce the risk of heart-related events.