Medication
- Know the names of all your medications, how they work, when and how to take them, and what the possible side effects are.
- Always keep a list of your medications with you.
- If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and get back on your regular schedule. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.
- Stopping your medications suddenly can make your condition worse. Even if you start feeling better, continue to take your medications as prescribed until your doctor tells you otherwise.
- Refill when you have one or two weeks of medication left. If you are going on an extended vacation, make sure you have enough to last the entire trip.If you experience any unexpected side effects, call your doctor immediately.
At Houston Methodist, specialists work with patients to ensure the best medication regimen. Several types of heart medication exist:
- Antiarrhythmic medications regulate the heart’s rhythm.
- Antiplatelets/anticoagulants thin the blood to help prevent clots from forming.
- Beta blockers slow the heart down so it requires less oxygen and relaxes blood vessels so the blood moves more smoothly.
- Calcium channel blockers (calcium antagonists) open the coronary arteries and lower blood pressure; some may also slow the heart rate.
- CNS (central nervous system)-acting medications work through the nervous system to relax the muscles in the arterial walls, indirectly regulating blood pressure.
- Digitalis medicines strengthen the heart's pumping action and slow down certain types of irregular heartbeats.
- Diuretics (also known as water pills) get rid of excess water and sodium, which can raise blood pressure and cause swelling (edema).
- Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) block the production of substances that narrow the arteries, delay the progression of heart failure and reduce blood pressure.
- Lipid-lowering therapy decreases bad cholesterol (LDL), which can cause heart attacks, stroke and blood vessel disease.
Many treatment options are available at Houston Methodist for patients with concerns about their heart health.
TREATMENT LOCATIONS
HOSPITALS
Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center
6565 Fannin St.
Houston, TX 77030
713.441.2894
Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital
18300 Houston Methodist Dr.
Nassau Bay, TX 77058
281.333.8899
Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital
4401 Garth Rd.
Baytown, TX 77521
281-428-2273
Houston Methodist West Hospital
18500 Katy Frwy.
Houston, TX 77094
832.522.5522
Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital
18220 State Hwy. 249
Houston, TX 77070
281.737.2500
Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital
16655 Southwest Frwy.
Sugar Land, TX 77479
281.274.7500
Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital
17201 Interstate 45 S.
The Woodlands, TX 77385
936.270.2000