Aspirin has been helping people manage coronary artery disease, also known as heart disease, for almost 40 years. Coronary artery disease is a narrowing of the small blood vessels (the coronary arteries) that supply blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the heart muscle. Coronary artery disease is a life-threatening condition that can lead to a heart attack.

A daily, small dose of aspirin has, in some studies, been found to help lower pain caused by heart disease, prevent blood clots, and reduce the chance of strokes or heart attacks.

Aspirin is in a category of medicines known as antiplatelets. Other antiplatelet drugs include the prescription medications clopidogrel and ticlopidine. The main job of antiplatelets is to stop blood clots from forming. When a blood clot blocks an artery, especially in the case of coronary artery disease, it prevents blood from reaching parts of the body and can be dangerous.

Aspirin should be taken with care. Do not take aspirin without accompanying it with a meal or a glass of water, and do not drink alcohol with aspirin. For people with certain conditions, such as asthma or stomach ulcers, taking aspirin daily can pose risks; always speak with a doctor before beginning any new medication regimen, including aspirin.

Cholesterol lowering medications

“Bad” cholesterol plays a crucial role in coronary artery disease. If lifestyle changes alone are not effective in lowering cholesterol within a year, a doctor will often prescribe medication. These medications work by lowering the “bad” cholesterol level or raising the amount of “good” cholesterol. The effects of medication can be maximized when combined with lifestyle changes.

Cholesterol lowering medications include:

Statins: Statins are considered a first-line treatment for anyone with high cholesterol. They are also helpful in preventing coronary artery disease in people at risk. Statins work by lowering the cholesterol level in the body and strengthening the lining of the blood vessels.

Resins: Resins attach themselves to bile acids, which are made using cholesterol, and carry them out of your body. This causes the body to use more cholesterol for bile acid production, which in turn lowers the cholesterol level.

Fibrates: Fibrates lower the triglycerides in your body, which are believed to increase the risk of heart disease. Fibrates also raise your “good” cholesterol. 

Niacin: Niacin helps extract energy from the food you eat. When taken in excess, niacin, like fibrates, lowers triglycerides and raises “good” cholesterol.

Beta blockers

Beta-adrenergic blocking agents, or beta blockers, focus on the hormone epinephrine. Since epinephrine can raise blood pressure and heart rate, beta blockers make the heart pump slower, controlling blood pressure. It is also effective in preventing heart attacks in people who have already had one.

Vasodilators

Vasodilators work by opening the blood vessels, allowing more blood and oxygen to reach the heart.  In turn, the heart works less, and blood pressure is lowered. Side effects can include dizziness, headache, and an irregularities heartbeat.

ACE inhibitors & ARBs

Both ACE inhibitors and ARBs lower blood pressure by targeting the level of angiotensin in your body. Angiotensen is a chemical that narrows the blood vessels, which makes it harder for blood to flow. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors open up the blood vessels while also reducing angiotensin. Angiotensin receptor blockers, or ARBs, do not actually lower angiotensin. Instead, they block the chemical from affecting the heart and blood vessels.

Calcium channel blockers

Calcium channel blockers treat high blood pressure and can also lower heart rate.  The medication stops calcium from getting into cells, specifically to the heart and blood vessel walls. This expands the blood vessels and allows for easier blood flow.