Atherosclerotic heart disease can be thought of as a wide spectrum of disease of the heart. At one end of the spectrum is the individual with no symptoms and streaks within the walls of the coronary arteries. These streaks represent the early stage of atherosclerotic heart disease and do not obstruct the flow of blood. A coronary angiogram performed during this stage of disease may not even show any evidence of coronary artery disease.

Heart

Over many years, these streaks increase in thickness, and will eventually affect the flow of blood through the arteries. As the coronary artery disease progresses, there may be severe restriction of the flow of oxygen-carrying blood. Individuals with this degree of coronary heart disease typically have suffered from one or more heart attacks, and may have signs and symptoms, including symptoms of angina at rest and flash pulmonary edema.

Limitation of blood flow to the heart causes cell starvation because of a lack of oxygen of the myocardial cells. When they die from lack of oxygen, this is called a myocardial infarction (more commonly called a heart attack). It leads to heart muscle damage, heart muscle death, and scarring without heart muscle regrowth.

CHD is associated with smoking, obesity, hypertension and a chronic sub-clinical lack of vitamin C, and a family history of CHD is one of the strongest predictors of CHD. Screening for CHD includes evaluating homocysteine levels, high-density and low-density cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels.

Coronary heart disease is the most common form of heart disease in the Western hemisphere. Prevention includes decreasing cholesterol levels, controlling obesity and high blood pressure, avoiding a sedentary lifestyle, making healthy dietary choices, and stopping smoking.

Atorvastatin Atorvastatin belong to a class of drug known as HMG CoA reductase inhibitor. This drug works by blocking the production of cholesterol (a type of fat) in the body. Indications: to reduce the amounts of low density lipoprotein or LDL (bad) cholesterol, more...

Lipitor Lipitor, also known as Atorvastatin, is used to lower levels of cholesterol and other fats in the blood. Lipitor belongs to the group of medicines called 3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl Coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) Reductase Inhibitors. They work by blocking an enzyme more...

Clopidogrel Clopidogrel is an anti-platelet drug. It works by preventing platelets (a formed cellular element in the blood) from clustering hence, preventing blood from forming blood clots. Clopidogrel is used in the prevention and treatment of heart attack, stroke, more...

Amlodipine Amlodipine is in a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers. This drug works by relaxing and widening the lumen of the blood vessels, both the veins and arteries, making it easier for the heart to pump and reducing its workload. more...

Norvasc Norvasc, or Amlodipine, is a calcium channel blocker used to treat angina and high blood pressure. Norvasc affects the movement of calcium in the heart and blood vessels. As a result, Norvasc relaxes blood vessels and increases the supply of blood and oxy more...

Veetids Veetids, or Penicillin V, is used to treat infections caused by bacteria. It works by killing bacteria or by preventing its growth. Be sure to tell your doctor of any allergies you have whether it is to medication or food, preservatives, or dyes. Also more...

Atenolol Atenolol, or Tenormin, is one of a group of medicines is known as beta-adrenergic blocking agents, beta-blocking agents, or beta-blockers. Atenolol is used in the treatment of high blood pressure, used to relieve angina, and in heart attack patients to he more...

Plavix Plavix, also known as Clopidogrel, is used to lessen the chance of heart attack or stroke. It is for people who have already had a heart attack or stroke or with other blood circulation problems that could lead to a stroke or heart at more...

Tenormin Tenormin is in a group of drugs called beta-blockers. Beta-blockers affect the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins). It is used to treat angina (chest pain) and hypertension (high blood pressure). It is also used to treat or pr more...

Accupril Accupril (also known as Quinapril) is one of a class of drugs known as ACE Inhibitors. When used as an antihypertensive, Accupril helps lower high blood pressure. As a vasodilator, Accupril may be used to treat congestive heart fail more...

Aceon Aceon (sometimes known as Perindopril) is one of a class of drug known as Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors, or ACE Inhibitors. These are drugs used to control blood pressure in patients. It can also be used to reduce the chance of certain heart more...

Adalat Adalat CC, also called Nifedipine, is one of a group of medicines used as antianginals, and antihypertensives. These medicines are also referred to as Calcium Channel Blocking Agents, and are used to increase the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart by more...

Altace ACE Inhibitors, like Altace (Ramipril) belong to the class of medicines called high blood pressure medicines. Altace is sometimes used in some patients after a heart attack. It helps slow down any further weakening of t more...

Avapro Avapro, or Irbesartan, belongs to a class of medicines called Angiotensin II Inhibitor Antihypertensives. It is used to treat high blood pressure. Avapro works by relaxing blood vessels by blocking the action of a substance in the body that causes blood v more...

Azmacort Azmacort, or Triamcinolone, is one of a group of Inhalation Corticosteroids used to help prevent the symptoms of asthma. When used regularly, inhalation corticosteroids decrease the number and severity of asthma attacks, but will not relieve an asthma att more...

Baycol Baycol, often called Cerivastatin, blocks the production of cholesterol in your body. It reduces the amounts of LDL (bad cholesterol) and total cholesterol in your blood. It also reduces the triglycerides and apolipoprotein B (a protein your body needs t more...

Cardizem Cardizem CD, also called Diltiazem, is one of a group of medicines used as antianginals, and antihypertensives. These medicines are also referred to as Calcium Channel Blocking Agents, and are used to increase the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart b more...

Cardura Cardura, also called Doxazosin, belongs to the general class of medicines called antihypertensives. It is used to treat high blood pressure. Cardura works by relaxing blood vessels so that blood passes more easily. It is also used to treat noncancerous en more...

Coumadin Coumadin, sometimes known as Warfarin, is an anticoagulant used to decrease blood clotting, and reduce the chance of harmful clots forming in the blood vessels. Though Warfarin may be called a blood thinner, it does not actually thin the blood, nor will t more...

Cozaar Cozaar, also called Losartan, is used to treat high blood pressure by blocking a substance in the body that causes blood vessels to tighten. Cozaar is also used to decrease the risk of stroke in patients with high blood pressure and a condition called lef more...

Diltiazem Diltiazem is in a class of drugs called calcium channel/blocker. Diltiazem relaxes your blood vessels which makes it easier for your heart to pump and reduces the workload on it. Diltiazem is used to treat hypertension, to treat angina and to slow unusu more...

Diovan Diovan (Valsartan) belongs to the class of medicines called Angiotensin II Inhibitors, and is an Antihypertensive. It is used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and can reduce the need for hospitalization from heart failure. Diovan more...

Diovan HCT Diovan HCT, a combination of Valsartan and Hydrochlorothiazide, is one of a class of medicines called high blood pressure medicines. Valsartan works by blocking a substance in the body that causes blood vessels to tighten. Hydrochlorothiazide helps reduce more...

Doxazosin Doxazosin is in a group of drugs called alpha-adrenergic blockers. Doxazosin causes the blood vessels (veins and arteries) to relax and expand, improving blood flow. Doxazosin also relaxes muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate. more...

Furosemide Loop diuretics, like Furosemide, are given to help reduce the amount of water in the body. They work by acting on the kidneys to increase the flow of urine. Furosemide is also used to treat high blood pressure in patients who are not helped more...

Hydrochlorothiazide Hydrochlorothiazide is one of a group of Thiazide or thiazide-like diuretics that are commonly used to treat hypertension. Hydrochlorothiazide is also used to help reduce the amount of water in the body by increasing the flow of urine. Be sure to tell more...

Hyzaar Hyzaar, a combination of Losartan and hydrochlorothiazide belongs to the class of medicines called high blood pressure medicines, or antihypertensives. It is used to treat high blood pressure. Losartan works by blocking a substance in the body that cau more...

Irbesartan Irbesartan is in a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Irbesartan prevents the constriction (narrowing) of blood vessels (veins and arteries) also termed as vasodilator agents. more...

Isosorbide Mononitrate Nitrates, like Isosorbide Mononitrate, are used to treat the symptoms of chest pain. They are used in three ways: to relieve an attack that is occurring by using the medicine when the attack begins; to prevent attacks from occurring by using the medicine more...

Lanoxin Lanoxin, or Digitalis medicines are used to improve the strength and efficiency of the heart, or to control the rate and rhythm of the heartbeat. This leads to better blood circulation and reduced swelling of hands and ankles in patients with heart proble more...

Lisinopril Lisinopril is one of a class of drugs known as ACE Inhibitors. When used as an antihypertensive, Lisinopril helps lower high blood pressure. As a vasodilator, Lisinopril may be used to treat congestive heart failure. Be sure to tell your doctor of an more...

Losartan Losartan belongs to a class of drug known as angiotension II receptor antagonists, which directly blocks the angiotensin II (a potent vasoconstrictor). This drug prevents the constriction (narrowing) of blood vessels (veins and arteries). I more...

Lotensin Lotensin is one of a class of drugs known as ACE Inhibitors. When used as an antihypertensive, Lotensin helps lower high blood pressure. As a vasodilator, Lotensin may be used to treat congestive heart failure. Be sure to tell your doctor of any alle more...

Lotrel Lotrel, or an Amlodipine and Benazepril combination, belongs to the class of medicines called high blood pressure medicines. It is used to treat high blood pressure. The exact way in which this medicine works is not known. Amlodipine is a type of medic more...

Metoprolol Metoprolol Tartrate is one of a group of medicines is known as beta-adrenergic blocking agents, beta-blocking agents, or, more commonly, beta-blockers. Beta-blockers are used in the treatment of high blood pressure, and some are also used to relieve angin more...

Metronidazole Metronidazole is used to treat infections. Be sure to tell your doctor of any allergies you have whether it is to medication or food, preservatives, or dyes. Tell your doctor immediately if you are, or become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Also, tell more...

Microzide Microzide is a commonly prescribed diuretic used in the prevention of edema particularly in patients suffering from congestive heart failure, kidney disorders, cirrhosis of the liver, or water retention brought on by the chronic use of steroids or more...

Monopril Monopril is one of a class of drugs known as ACE Inhibitors. When used as an antihypertensive, Monopril helps lower high blood pressure. As a vasodilator, Monopril may be used to treat congestive heart failure. Be sure to tell your doctor of any alle more...

Nifedipine Nifedipine belongs to a class of antihypertensive drug called calcium channel blockers. It reduces the heart’s workload by relaxing the smooth muscles and widening the lumen of the blood vessels (arteries and veins). It is used to treat hypertension or h more...

Penicillin Penicillin V is a systemic antibacterial, and is used to treat infections caused by bacteria. Be sure to tell your doctor of any allergies you have whether it is to medication or food, preservatives, or dyes. Also, tell your doct more...

Perindopril Perindopril is in a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors). Indications : essential hypertension (to lower high blood pressure), congestive heart failure or CHF ( to decrease the heart’s workload), prevention of st more...

Plendil Plendil is one of a group of medicines used as antianginals, and antihypertensives. These medicines are also referred to as Calcium Channel Blocking Agents, and are used to increase the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart by relaxing blood vessels. more...

Pravachol Pravachol, also known as Pravastatin, is used to lower levels of cholesterol and other fats in the blood. Pravachol belongs to the group of medicines called 3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl Coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) Reductase Inhibitors. They work by blocking an enz more...

Pravastatin Pravastatin is an HMG CoA reductase inhibitor. It is a drug for hypercholesterolemia and works by blocking the production of cholesterol (a type of fat) in the body. Pravastatin is used to reduce the amounts of low density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholest more...

Prinivil Also known as Lisinopril, Prinivil is one of a class of drugs known as ACE Inhibitors. When used as an antihypertensive, Prinivil helps lower high blood pressure. As a vasodilator, Prinivil may be used to treat congestive heart failure. Be sure to te more...

Procardia XL Procardia XL is one of a group of medicines used as antianginals, and antihypertensives. These medicines are also referred to as Calcium Channel Blocking Agents, and are used to increase the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart by relaxin more...

Propranolol Propranolol is part of a group of drugs known as beta-blockers. Beta-blockers affect the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins). Propranolol is used to treat tremors, angina (chest pain), hypertension (high blood pressure), heart rhythm disorders, and other heart or circulatory conditions. It is also used to treat or prevent heart attack, and to reduce the severity and frequency of migraine headaches. more...

Quinapril Quinapril is a drug used to treat congestive heart failure (CHF) and hypertension (HPN). It belongs to a group of drugs called angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors). The common ending for most of the ACE inhibitors is –PRIL. more...

Ramipril Ramipril is in a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors). The common ending of these drugs is – PRIL . Indications: Treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure), alone or in combination with thiazide diuretic more...

Terazosin Terazosin is used to treat high blood pressure. Terazosin helps to lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels so that blood passes through them more easily. It is also used to treat benign enlargement of the prostate. Be sure to tell your doctor o more...

Tiazac Tiazac is one of a group of medicines used as antianginals, and antihypertensives. These medicines are also referred to as Calcium Channel Blocking Agents, and are used to increase the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart by relaxing blood vessels. Th more...

Toprol Toprol is one of a group of medicines known as beta-adrenergic blocking agents, beta-blocking agents, or, most frequently, beta-blockers. Beta-blockers are used in the treatment of high blood pressure, and some are used to relieve chest pain and in heart more...

Triamcinolone Triamcinolone is in a class of drugs called steroids. Triamcinolone reduces swelling and decreases the body's immune response. Triamcinolone is used to treat endocrine disorders when the body does not produce enough of its own steroids. I more...

Triamterene Potassium-sparing diuretics like Triamterene are commonly used to help reduce the amount of water in the body. Unlike other diuretics, these medicines do not cause your body to lose potassium; they help to reduce the amount of water in the body by acting more...

Valsartan Valsartan is in a class of drugs called angiogenesis II receptor antagonists. This medicine works by preventing constriction (narrowing) of blood vessels (veins and arteries). Valsartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), congestive hea more...

Vasotec Vasotec, also called Enalapril or Enalaprilat, is one of a group of drugs called ACE inhibitors, and are called high blood pressure medicines. They are used to treat high blood pressure. The exact way that these medicines work is not known, but they bl more...

Verapamil Verapamil is a Calcium Channel Blocking Agent that words by affecting the movement of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessels. This relaxes blood vessels and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart while reducing its workload. more...

Warfarin Warfarin, sometimes known as Coumadin, is an anticoagulant used to decrease blood clotting, and reduce the chance of harmful clots forming in the blood vessels. Though Warfarin may be called a blood thinner, it does not actually thin the blood, nor will t more...

Zestoretic Also known as Ezetimibe, Zetia is used to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. Be sure to tell your doctor of any allergies you have whether it is to medication or food, preservatives, or dyes. Tell your doctor immediately if you are more...

Zestril Zestril, or Lisinopril, is one of a class of drugs known as ACE Inhibitors. When used as an antihypertensive, Zestril helps lower high blood pressure by blocking an enzyme that causes the tightening of blood vessels. Be sure to tell your doctor of a more...

Ziac Ziac, a combination of Bisoprolol and Hydrochlorothiazide, is a Beta-adrenergic Blocking Agent (sometimes called beta-blockers) and a Thiazide diuretic. This combination belongs to the group of medicines known as antihypertensives, or high blood pressure more...