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Learning more about your heart can change the way you feel, think, and live. At Heart Matters, we’re here to make complex topics simple — because when you understand your health, you’re already on the path to better wellbeing.
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explore, learn & feel informed

Browse our trusted resources and watch easy-to-follow videos on YouTube, created by leading cardiologist Prof Peter Barlis. We analyse the research and explain the science, so you don’t have to. Heart Matters helps you make sense of your heart health with clarity and confidence.
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Latest News

Medications Hub
Ticagrelor (Brilinta): Understanding Your Heart Medication

If you’ve recently had a heart attack or had a stent placed in one of your coronary arteries, you may have been prescribed a medication called ticagrelor, commonly known by the brand name Brilinta. …

Lp(a): The Cholesterol You Might Not Know About

When most people think about cholesterol, they usually hear about LDL being the “bad” cholesterol and HDL the …

Oral Semaglutide: What You Should Know About the Pill Form of Ozempic

Medications like Ozempic have become widely recognised—not just for their role in type 2 diabetes, but also for …

SGLT2 Inhibitors: How These Medications Are Transforming Heart Failure Care: For Diabetics and Non-Diabetics Alike

It’s not often that a class of medication reshapes how we manage both heart failure and diabetes, but …

What is Amiodarone? Uses, Administration, Side Effects, and Precautions

Healthy Living

Unlock Heart Health with Omega 3 and 6

Good and Bad Fats: Separating Fats from Fiction

Balancing Your Diet: A Recipe for Health and Wellness

Salmon and Heart Health: A Nutritional Powerhouse

The Surprising Benefits of Walking:
A Heart-Healthy Journey

Is There Something Fishy About Fish Oil? New Study Links Supplements to Increased AF and Stroke Risk

High Cholesterol? It may not be the eggs, but could it be the cheese you are eating?

Exploring the Anatomy and Physiology of the
Human Heart

The Positive Heart Health Benefits of Olive Oil

Cinnamon: A Heart-Healthy Spice for Your Diet

Unscrambling the Egg Controversy

Editorial Spotlight

Prof. Peter Barlis - Editor

Prof. Peter Barlis - Editor

Thank you for visiting Heart Matters. 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.

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Popular Articles

Exploring Cardiac Monitoring Devices: From Holter Monitors to Loop Recorders
Understanding Palpitations: A Cardiologist’s Approach
Rethinking Beta-blockers Post-Heart Attack
The Link Between Statins and Coronary Calcium Scores: Ongoing Research and Emerging Insights
Understanding Ankle Swelling (Edema)
Leadless Pacemakers: Advancing Cardiac Care with Promising Results

Platforms

ConditionsEXPLORE

Conditions

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: What You Need to Know

Conditions

Cardiac Amyloidosis: An Uncommon but Important Cause of a ‘Stiff’ Heart

Conditions

How to Measure Blood Pressure: A Comprehensive Guide

Conditions

Optimizing Treatment Approaches for Congestive Heart Failure: Quadruple Therapy

How to Measure Blood Pressure: A Comprehensive Guide
Optimizing Treatment Approaches for Congestive Heart Failure: Quadruple Therapy
Understanding Aortic Stenosis: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Racing Hearts: Understanding Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG):
What to expect
Recovering after a heart attack
Inflammation and Cardiovascular Health
What You Need to Know About Pacemakers

SymptomsEXPLORE

Symptoms
Heartburn or Heart Attack? Differentiating Symptoms for Timely Care

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, …

Heartburn or Heart Attack? Differentiating Symptoms for Timely Care

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

Do you have a persisting dry cough? Read on

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

Palpitations and Ventricular Ectopics: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

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

Understanding Dizziness:
Causes and Symptoms Explained

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

Understanding Ankle Swelling (Edema)

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

Chest Pain: Understanding Symptoms, Causes, and Evaluation

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

Understanding Dizziness:
Causes and Symptoms Explained

Medication Hub

A Guide to Beta-Blockers
The Timing of Cholesterol-Lowering Medications: Does Nighttime Dosing Make a Difference?
Calcium Channel Blockers: Amlodipine, Felodipine, Nifedipine, and More
A Guide to Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs) for Heart Health
Optimizing Cholesterol Management: The Role of Ezetimibe

Investigations

Understanding Troponin: A Vital Marker in Cardiology
Recovering after a coronary angiogram
Understanding the HbA1c Blood Test: What It Reveals About Your Health
Understanding the Holter Monitor Test
Stress Echocardiogram Test: What Is It and Why Do You Need It?

New Research

Mavacamten: A new option for the treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
New simple intranasal drug treatment for SVT
Unlocking the Mystery of Cardiovascular Risk: New Insights on Lp(a) and hs-CRP
Leadless Pacemakers: Advancing Cardiac Care with Promising Results
Rethinking Beta-blockers Post-Heart Attack

Our Education Platforms

Healthy Living

Evidence-based articles and expert tips for a vibrant life.

Symptoms Explained

Let's unravel symptom mysteries and equip you with insights for a healthier, informed life.

Conditions

We delve into a diverse array of conditions, simplifying complex terminology.

Investigations

Explore everything from cholesterol screenings to stress tests and other cardiac evaluations.

Medicines Hub

We dive deep into the various drugs used in the management of heart conditions

Latest Research

Your go-to resource for all things latest in cardiovascular health studies and research.

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  • Heart Matters, edited by Cardiologist Professor Peter Barlis, is a trusted resource dedicated to providing you with simplified and accurate information about cardiovascular health. It aims to bridge the gap between scientific discoveries and their practical application, empowering you to make informed decisions and promote overall cardiovascular wellness.

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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.