### Heart Medications and Their Side Effects Heart medications are essential for preventing another heart attack, but they can have side effects. Here’s a summary of common heart drugs and how to manage their side effects: #### ACE Inhibitors - **Purpose:** Widen blood vessels, improve blood flow. - **Common Side Effect:** Dry cough. - **Rare Side Effects:** Swelling of face, hands, feet, or throat. Call your doctor if this happens. #### ARBs (Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers) - **Purpose:** Relax blood vessels, lower blood pressure. - **Possible Side Effects:** Dizziness, high potassium levels. Avoid potassium supplements and salt substitutes. #### Antiplatelet Drugs - **Purpose:** Prevent blood clots. - **Common Side Effect:** Increased bleeding. Be careful when shaving, brushing teeth, or using sharp tools. - **Other Side Effects:** Upset stomach. Take with food. #### Beta-Blockers - **Purpose:** Lower heart rate and blood pressure. - **Common Side Effects:** Fatigue, cold hands and feet. - **Less Common Side Effects:** Depression, shortness of breath. Not suitable for asthma patients. #### Blood Thinners - **Purpose:** Prevent blood clots. - **Biggest Risk:** Bleeding. Take extra care to avoid cuts. #### Calcium Channel Blockers - **Purpose:** Relax blood vessels. - **Side Effects:** Swelling, dizziness, headaches. Avoid grapefruit juice and smoking. #### Diuretics - **Purpose:** Remove extra salt and fluid. - **Side Effects:** Frequent urination, dehydration. Increase potassium intake. #### Nitrates - **Purpose:** Widen blood vessels. - **Side Effects:** Headaches, dizziness. Avoid alcohol and erectile dysfunction drugs. #### Statins - **Purpose:** Lower LDL cholesterol. - **Side Effects:** Muscle pain, increased blood sugar. Exercise and vitamin D may help. Always talk to your doctor about any side effects. They can adjust your medication or provide treatments to help you manage them.