Common Heart Medications and Their Side Effects

Many heart conditions require long-term medication. Understanding what your medicines do — and their possible side effects — helps you use them safely and get the best results.

Main Types of Heart Medications

Antiplatelets

Reduce the risk of blood clots forming in arteries.
Examples: Aspirin, Clopidogrel (Plavix), Ticagrelor (Brilinta), Prasugrel (Effient)
Notes: Often prescribed after a heart attack, stents, or bypass surgery.

Beta Blockers

Slow heart rate, lower blood pressure, reduce strain on the heart.
Examples: Metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol-XL), Atenolol (Tenormin), Bisoprolol (Zebeta), Carvedilol (Coreg), Propranolol (Inderal)
Notes: Used for angina, arrhythmias, heart failure, and after a heart attack.

ACE Inhibitors

Help blood vessels relax, reduce workload on the heart.
Examples: Enalapril (Vasotec), Lisinopril (Zestril, Prinivil), Ramipril (Altace), Perindopril (Coversyl), Captopril (Capoten)
Notes: Can cause a persistent dry cough.

ARBs (Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers)

Similar to ACE inhibitors, but less likely to cause cough.
Examples: Losartan (Cozaar), Valsartan (Diovan), Candesartan (Atacand), Olmesartan (Benicar), Irbesartan (Avapro)

Statins

Lower cholesterol and reduce inflammation in artery walls.
Examples: Atorvastatin (Lipitor), Rosuvastatin (Crestor), Simvastatin (Zocor), Pravastatin (Pravachol), Lovastatin (Mevacor)
Notes: May cause muscle aches in some patients.

Calcium Channel Blockers

Relax blood vessels, reduce heart workload, help with angina and blood pressure.
Examples: Amlodipine (Norvasc), Diltiazem (Cardizem), Verapamil (Calan, Verelan), Nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia)

Diuretics (“Water Pills”)

Help remove excess fluid, reduce blood pressure and swelling.
Examples: Furosemide (Lasix), Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), Spironolactone (Aldactone), Indapamide, Chlorthalidone

Anticoagulants (“Blood Thinners”)

Prevent clots from forming or growing larger.
Examples: Warfarin (Coumadin), Apixaban (Eliquis), Rivaroxaban (Xarelto), Dabigatran (Pradaxa), Edoxaban (Savaysa)
Notes: Require careful monitoring; some increase risk of bleeding.

Common Side Effects

Fatigue, dizziness, or cold hands/feet (beta blockers)
Persistent dry cough (ACE inhibitors)
Muscle aches or cramps (statins, diuretics)
Increased urination, low potassium (diuretics)
Easy bruising or bleeding (antiplatelets, anticoagulants)

⚠️ Always report severe or unexpected symptoms to your doctor. Do not stop medicines suddenly without medical advice.

Note: Educational only; not a substitute for professional medical advice.