Beta Blockers for Your Heart

Beta blockers are used for long term treatment of CAD. They prevent angina by decreasing the workload on the heart. Follow the instructions carefully about when to take your beta blocker. Never stop taking a beta blocker abruptly. The medication should be tapered off over several days, as prescribed to prevent angina, hypertension, arrhythmias, or heart attack.

Notify your doctor if you notice reactions such as shortness of breath, wheezing, dizziness, slow pulse rate or swelling.

If you are diabetic, it’s important to test your blood sugar regularly. Beta blockers can hide the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar and reduce your body’s ability to handle sugars. You may need a change in your diabetic medication if you are taking a beta blocker.

Calcium Channel Blockers for Your Heart

Calcium channel blockers are used to treat CAD. They help to prevent angina, but cannot relieve acute angina.

Notify your doctor if you notice swelling of your hands and/or feet, nausea, constipation or dizziness. Change position slowly, especially when going from a lying to a standing position. This prevents dizziness. If you experience headaches, take a mild pain reliever like Tylenol.

Nitrates for Your Heart

Nitrates have been used for many years for the treatment of CAD and prevention of angina. They work directly on the smooth muscle of the veins and arteries to reduce the amount of constriction (narrowing). Nitrates can be taken in several different ways - under the tongue, in tablet or capsule form, and as a long-acting patch. Follow instructions carefully for each type. Timing of doses is very important in order to avoid tolerance to the effects.

Avoid drinking alcohol if you are taking nitrates. NEVER stop taking your nitrates without consulting your physician. If you notice symptoms of low blood pressure (fatigue, dizziness, rapid heart beat), call your doctor. Change position slowly to avoid dizziness (especially from lying down to standing). Some people have headaches when they first begin taking nitrates. If you have headaches, try relieving the discomfort with a mild pain reliever, such as Tylenol. The headaches usually disappear after a few days.

Notify your doctor if you continue to have angina after taking the medication. Go to the nearest emergency department if your angina is not relieved by rest and/or three (3) nitroglycerin tablets taken 5 minutes apart.