Terms of use

Acceptance of Terms: By accessing and using the Heart Matters website (the “Website”), you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. As our website evolves, we may change the contents of this site and modify the terms of this agreement.

Use of information: The information on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment by a health care professional. Because of your individual needs, you should consult your personal doctor to determine the appropriateness of the information for your situation.

Educational Resources: The Website provides general educational resources on heart health and related topics. The information provided on the Website is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

No Medical Advice: The information on the Website is not intended to create a physician-patient relationship between you and Heart Matters. Heart Matters does not provide personalized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The Website does not offer medical services and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care.

Email Notifications: By subscribing to receive email notifications from Heart Matters, you agree to receive periodic emails containing updates, news, and information related to heart health and the Website. You can unsubscribe from these emails at any time by following the instructions provided in the email.

Intellectual Property: All content on the Website, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, logos, and videos, is the property of Heart Matters and is protected by intellectual property laws. You may not use, reproduce, or distribute any content from the Website without obtaining prior written permission from Heart Matters. Please email us at [email protected] for any specific requests.

Limitation of Liability: Heart Matters does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information on the Website. Heart Matters is not liable for any damages or injuries arising from your use of the Website or reliance on its content. You use the Website at your own risk.

Third-Party Links: The Website may contain links to third-party websites or resources. Heart Matters is not responsible for the content or accuracy of these websites, and the inclusion of any link does not imply endorsement or affiliation with the linked website.

Modification of Terms: Heart Matters may modify these Terms and Conditions at any time without notice. By continuing to use the Website after any modifications, you agree to be bound by the updated Terms and Conditions.

Confidentiality and Privacy: We are committed to protecting the privacy of our visitors as detailed in our Privacy Policy Statement. However, due to the nature of internet communications, it may be necessary for system support personnel to view communications and logs of activities as a part of their responsibilities. We may gather information to monitor our effectiveness in providing health information, to answer consumer questions and to improve the site. This regular monitoring does not provide us with personal information such as names or addresses of users. Only non-confidential and non-proprietary information should be transmitted to the site by email or otherwise.

Accuracy and Completeness: Due to constant advances in technology and medicine, you are encouraged to confirm the information on our site with other reliable sources. Corrections and additions will be made as allowed by the availability of time and resources.

Although care has been taken in preparing the information contained in this site, all material that is provided here or could be reached by using this as a starting point is supplied "AS IS" without warranty of quality or accuracy of any kind. Neither Heart Matters, Professor Peter Barlis nor any author contributing to this site is responsible for any errors or omissions in any information provided or the results obtained from the use of such information.

Author

  • terms and conditions Heart Matters

    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.

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.