December 6, 2008--Resting & Reading

Paul is home from the hospital and is trying to rest with some good books. According to the doctor, sleep and rest are integral to heart repair. So, now it's just a matter of winding down the ol' brain. The doctor has also prescribed four medications to help the heart recuperate:

1. A beta blocker-Beta blockers are medications that reduce your blood pressure. Beta blockers work by blocking the effects of the hormone epinephrine, also known as adrenaline. When you take beta blockers, the heart beats more slowly and with less force, thereby reducing blood pressure. Beta blockers also help blood vessels open up to improve blood flow.
   



2. An ACE (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme) inhibitor helps relax blood vessels. ACE inhibitors prevent an enzyme in your body from producing angiotensin II, a substance in your body that affects your cardiovascular system by narrowing your blood vessels and releasing hormones that can raise your blood pressure. This narrowing can cause high blood pressure and force your heart to work harder.
   



3. A Statin (a cholesterol lowering drug) blocks a substance your body needs to make cholesterol. They may also help your body reabsorb cholesterol that has accumulated in plaques on your artery walls, helping prevent further blockage in your blood vessels.
   



4. Plavix (Clopidogrel) is used to lessen the chance of heart attack or stroke. Clopidogrel reduces the chance that a harmful blood clot will form by preventing certain cells in the blood from clumping together.
   
   

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information