For patients with coronary heart disease, doctors usually recommend beta blockers. These drugs can reduce myocardial oxygen consumption and decrease the recurrence of myocardial ischemia. Common beta blockers include metoprolol, bisoprolol, and esmolol, with metoprolol being the most commonly used.
ACE inhibitors can inhibit the activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme. Angiotensin, as the name implies, can constrict blood vessels and raise blood pressure. Therefore, using ACE inhibitors can lower blood pressure. Additionally, ACE inhibitors are widely used in the treatment of coronary heart disease because they can delay and reverse ventricular remodeling, prevent further development of myocardial hypertrophy, improve endothelial function and heart function, and reduce the occurrence of arrhythmias. Common ACE inhibitors include captopril, enalapril, benazepril, and fosinopril.
Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) are similar to ACE inhibitors. They achieve their antihypertensive effect by selectively blocking angiotensin II receptors. Furthermore, they are beneficial for the heart and can be used in the treatment of coronary heart disease. Common ARB drugs include irbesartan, valsartan, and losartan.
Of course, all medications have side effects. When taking the above four types of medications, it is essential to pay attention to the body's adverse reactions. For example, antiplatelet drugs can damage the gastric mucosa and cause gastrointestinal bleeding. Statins may lead to liver and muscle damage, so liver and kidney function and myocardial enzymes should be monitored during medication. Beta blockers can slow heart rate and lower blood pressure, so blood pressure and heart rate should be monitored. ACE inhibitors (ACEI) / angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) may cause a dry cough, hyperkalemia, hypoglycemia, edema, and renal dysfunction. Therefore, kidney function, electrolytes, and blood sugar should be closely monitored during medication.