Heart Medication List
Click Here for Dictionary
A B C D F H I J L M N P Q R S T U V W Z

The following is a list of some common heart medicines listed by Brand names. After the brand name you will see the generic name and what the drug is used for. Not all heart medicines are listed here but chances are you will find most everything you are taking in this list. Remember, these are BRAND name drugs so if you do not see your medicine listed, you might already be taking the generic.

A
Accupril:	generic name is quinapril, used for Heart Disease and Blood Pressure Lowering
Accuretic:	generic name is quinapril/hydrochlorothiazide, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
Aceon:	generic name is perindopril, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
Aciphex:	generic name is rabeprazole, used for Stomach Ulcers/GERD/Peptic Ulcer
Adalat CC:	generic name is nifedipine extended-release, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
Advicor:	generic name is lovastatin/niacin, used for Heart Disease, Cholesterol Lowering
Aldactazide:	generic name is spironolactone/hydrochlorothiazide, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
Aldactone:	generic name is spironolactone, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
Altace:	generic name is ramipril, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
Apresoline:	generic name is hydralazine, used for Blood Pressure
Atacand:	generic name is candesartan, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
Avapro:	generic name is irbesartan, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
Axid:	generic name is nizatidine, used for Stomach Ulcers/GERD/Peptic Ulcer
B
Benicar:	generic name is olmesartan, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
Bumex:	generic name is bumetanide, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
Bystolic:	generic name is nebivolol, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure
C
Caduet:	generic name is amlodipine/atorvastatin, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure, Cholesterol Lowering
Calan:	generic name is verapamil, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
Calan SR:	generic name is verapamil extended-release, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
Capoten:	generic name is captopril, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
Capozide:	generic name is captopril/hydrochlorothiazide, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
Cardizem:	generic name is diltiazem, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
Cardizem CD:	generic name is diltiazem extended-release, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
Cardura:	generic name is doxazosin, used for BPH/Prostate Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
Catapres:	generic name is clonidine, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
Colestid:	generic name is colestipol, used for Heart Disease, Cholesterol Lowering
Cordarone:	generic name is amiodarone, used for Arrhythmias, Atrial Fibrillation
Coreg:	generic name is carvedilol, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
Corgard:	generic name is nadolol, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
Coumadin:	generic name is warfarin, used as a Blood Thinner, Prevents Stroke in Atrial Fibrillation
Cozaar:	generic name is losartan, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
Crestor:	generic name is rosuvastatin, used for Heart Disease, Cholesterol Lowering
D
Demadex:	generic name is torsemide, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
Diovan:	generic name is valsartan, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
Dyazide:	generic name is triamterene/hydrochlorothiazide, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
Dynacirc:	generic name is isradipine, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
F
Fosinopril:	generic name is monopril, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
H
Hytrin:	generic name is terazosin, used for BPH/Prostate, Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
I
Imdur:	generic name is isosorbide mononitrate, used for Heart Disease, Angina, Blood Pressure
Inderal:	generic name is propranolol, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
Inderal LA:	generic name is propranolol extended-release, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
Inspra:	generic name is eplerenone, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
Isordil:	generic name is isosorbide dinitrate, used for Heart Disease, Angina, Blood Pressure
J
Jantoven:	generic name is warfarin, used as a Blood Thinner, Prevents Stroke in Atrial Fibrillation
L
Lanoxin:	generic name is digoxin, used for Arrhythmias, Atrial Fibrillation, Heart Failure
Lasix:	generic name is furosemide, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
Lescol:	generic name is fluvastatin, used for Heart Disease, Cholesterol Lowering
Lipitor:	generic name is atorvastatin, used for Heart Disease, Cholesterol Lowering
Lofibra:	generic name is fenofibrate, used for Heart Disease, Cholesterol Lowering
Lopid:	generic name is gemfibrozil, used for Heart Disease, Cholesterol Lowering
Lopressor:	generic name is metoprolol, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
Lopressor HCT:	generic name is metoprolol/hydrochlorothiazide, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
Lotensin:	generic name is benazepril, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
Lotensin HCT:	generic name is benazepril/hydrochlorothiazide, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
Lotrel:	generic name is amlodipine/benazepril, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
M
Mavik:	generic name is trandolapril, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
Maxzide:	generic name is triamterene/hydrochlorothiazide, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
Mevacor:	generic name is lovastatin, used for Heart Disease, Cholesterol Lowering
Micardis:	generic name is telmisartan, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
Microzide:	generic name is hydrochlorothiazide, used for Heart Failure, Blood Pressure, Water Pill
Monopril:	generic name is fosinopril, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
Monopril-HCT:	generic name is fosinopril/hydrochlorothiazide, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
N
Nexium:	generic name is esomeprazole, used for Stomach Ulcers/GERD/Peptic Ulcer
Niaspan:	generic name is niacin, Raises good cholesterol and lowers really bad cholesterol called Lp(a)
Nitrostat:	generic name is nitroglycerin, used for Heart Disease, Angina
Norvasc:	generic name is amlodipine, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
P
Pacerone:	generic name is amiodarone, used for Arrhythmias, Atrial Fibrillation
Pepcid:	generic name is famotidine, used for Stomach Ulcers/GERD/Peptic Ulcer
Plavix:	generic name is clopidogrel, used as a blood thinning agent and to prevent stent clot
Plendil:	generic name is felodipine extended-release, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
Pradaxa:	generic name is dabigatran, used as a Blood Thinner, Prevents Stroke in Atrial Fibrillation
Pravachol:	generic name is pravastatin, used for Heart Disease, Cholesterol Lowering
Prevacid:	generic name is lansoprazole, used for Stomach Ulcers/GERD/Peptic Ulcer
Prilosec:	generic name is omeprazole, used for Stomach Ulcers/GERD/Peptic Ulcer
Prinivil:	generic name is lisinopril, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
Procardia XL:	generic name is nifedipine extended-release, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
Protonix:	generic name is pantoprazole, sued for Stomach Ulcers/GERD/Peptic Ulcer
Q
Questran:	generic name is cholestyramine, sued for Heart Disease, Cholesterol Lowering
Questran Light:	generic name is cholestyramine, used for Heart Disease, Cholesterol Lowering
R
Rythmol:	generic name is propafenone, used for Arrhythmias, Atrial Fibrillation
S
Sular:	generic name is nisoldipine, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
T
Tagamet:	generic name is cimetidine, used for Stomach Ulcers/GERD/Peptic Ulcer
Tambocor:	generic name is flecainide, used for Arrhythmias, Atrial Fibrillation
Tekturna:	generic name is aliskiren, used for Blood Pressure
Tenex:	generic name is guanfacine, used for Blood Pressure Lowering
Tenoretic:	generic name is atenolol/chlorthalidone, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
Tenormin:	generic name is atenolol, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
Teveten:	generic name is eprosartan-hydrochlorothyazide, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure
Tiazac:	generic name is diltiazem extended-release, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
Tikosyn:	generic name is dofetilide, used for Arrhythmias, Atrial Fibrillation
Toprol XL:	generic name is metoprolol extended-release, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
Trandate:	generic name is labetalol, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
Tricor:	generic name is fenofibrate, used for Heart Disease, Cholesterol Lowering
Trilipix:	generic name is fenofibric acid, used for Cholesterol Lowering
U
Uniretic:	generic name is moexipril/hydrochlorothiazide, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
Univasc:	generic name is moexipril, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
V
Vaseretic:	generic name is enalapril/hydrochlorothiazide, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
Vasotec:	generic name is enalapril, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
Verelan PM:	generic name is verapamil extended-release, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
Vytorin:	generic name is ezetimibe/simvastatin, used for Heart Disease, Cholesterol Lowering
W
Welchol:	generic name is colesevelam, used for Cholesterol Lowering
Z
Zantac:	generic name is ranitidine, used for Stomach Ulcers/GERD/Peptic Ulcer
Zaroxolyn:	generic name is metolazone, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
Zebeta:	generic name is bisoprolol, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
Zegerid:	generic name is omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate, used for Stomach Ulcers/GERD/Peptic Ulcer
Zestoretic:	generic name is lisinopril/hydrochlorothiazide, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
Zestril:	generic name is lisinopril, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
Zetia:	generic name is ezetimibe, used for Cholesterol Lowering
Ziac:	generic name is bisoprolol/hydrochlorothiazide, used for Heart Disease, Blood Pressure Lowering
Zocor:	generic name is simvastatin, used for Heart Disease, Cholesterol Lowering
Heart Dictionary These are terms which your cardiologist might mention. This list is designed to give you more information about the terms related to your heart care. A B C D E F G H I L M N O P R S T V W
A
ACE inhibitor	drug used for heart disease and blood pressure; works by inhibiting a hormone secreted by the kidneys
ACS	stands for Acute Coronary Syndrome; usually means chest pain that is not necessarily a full-blown heart attack
Adenosine stress test	a type of stress test that requires injection of a medicine called adenosine into an IV; the medicine is given as a way to stress the heart instead of walking on a treadmill
Angina	chest pain caused by blockages in the heart arteries; stable angina means chest discomfort occurs only with exertion while unstable angina means the chest discomfort probably started with exertion but is worsening and eventually occurs at rest as well
Angiography	the injection of dye into the arteries to look for blockages
Angioplasty	the process of injecting a catheter into the artery and opening the artery with a tiny balloon
Angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB)	drug used for heart disease and blood pressure that works by blocking a hormone secreted by the kidneys
Antiplatelet	a drug that prevents platelets from sticking together and forming clots
Atria	the top 2 chambers of the heart which fill with blood and help to pump blood through the heart
Atrial fibrillation	a very common abnormal heart rhythm where the top chambers of the heart (atria) are going haywire with their electrical signals causing ineffective pumping of the atria and leading to an irregular heartbeat.
B
Bare metal stent	a tiny piece of metal mesh inserted into the artery that helps to prevent the artery from closing up again.
Beta-blocker	a drug used for heart disease and blood pressure that works by inhibiting the body's response to excitement; it lowers heart rate and blood pressure; also reduces the chance of another
heart attack. Blockage	an area of the artery which has narrowed enough to prevent some blood from going through.
Blood thinner	a drug used to prevent clotting.
Bypass	a surgery which requires that the chest be cut open and different arteries be sewn around the blockages; also known as CABG or Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery.
C
CABG	a surgery which requires that the chest be cut open and different arteries be sewn around the blockages; also known as CABG or Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery.
CAD	a progressive disease where plaque forms in one or more arteries leading to the heart.
Calcium channel blocker	a drug used for blood pressure that relaxes the blood vessels.
Cardiac CT angiography	a special CT or "CAT" scan that requires injection of a dye into an IV so the scan can check for blockages in the heart arteries.
Cardiac enzymes	a panel of blood tests which shows whether or not a person is having a heart attack; specific enzymes usually include CK, CK-MB and Troponin which are markers that indicate the heart is under stress.
Cardiac rehabilitation	an exercise program prescribed by your physician specially designed for heart patients.
Cardiologist	a doctor who treats the heart.
Cardiomyopathy	a disease of the heart muscle which effects the heart's ability to pump blood to the body; usually diagnosed by an echocardiogram which can show a low Ejection Fraction.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation	a procedure used on an unresponsive patient in which a person pushes on the patient's chest to simulate pumping of the heart; air is also blown into the lungs to provide oxygen.
Cardiothoracic surgeon	a doctor who performs bypass surgery by opening the chest.
Cath lab	the surgery room where a heart catheterization is performed.
Catheterization	a procedure in which an artery in the groin is punctured and a small catheter is threaded up into the heart arteries; a dye is injected in the heart arteries to look for blockages in the heart.
CHD	an abbreviation for Coronary Heart Disease.
Chemical stress test	a stress test which uses a chemical instead of requiring a patient to walk on a treadmill; some chemicals used include adenosine and persantine.
Chest wall pain	a term used to describe a type of chest pain which is not related to the heart; chest wall pain could be related to inflammation or injury of the chest wall muscles or cartilage.
CHF	an abbreviation for Congestive Heart Failure.
Chronically occluded	a term used for a heart artery that has been blocked for a long time; usually a cardiologist knows it is an old blockage when other arteries have already begun to supply the affected area with blood.
Circumflex artery	a heart artery which curves to the left around the heart.
Congestive heart failure	a term which means that the heart is unable to pump blood effectively or sometimes relax well enough to push blood out to the rest of the body.
Coronary artery bypass graft	a surgery whereby different arteries or veins are attached to portions of a blocked heart artery as a means of bypassing the blockage.
Coronary artery disease	a disease of plaque buildup in the heart arteries.
Coronary CT	heart test which involves noninvasive scanning of the heart arteries to check for blockages.
Coumadin	very strong blood thinning drug used to prevent stroke.
CPR	CardioPulmonary Resuscitation which involves the process of pushing air into an unconscious person’s lungs and pushing on their chest to force blood through their body.
CT angiogram	injection of dye into the arteries during a CAT scan to look for heart blockages.
D
Deep venous thrombosis	a blood clot in a large vein typically discovered in the leg.
Defibrillator	a device which gives an electric shock to the heart in the event of a deadly heart rhythm.
Diagonal artery	an artery on the front of the heart that branches off of a major artery called the left anterior descending (LAD).
Digoxin	a heart drug that is used to slow the heart rate and sometimes help with symptoms of heart failure.
Diuretic	a drug that is designed to cause frequent urination so the body loses excess water weight.
Dobutamine stress test	a stress test that requires injection of a chemical called dobutamine through an IV in order to cause an increase in heart rate.
Drug-coated stent	a tiny wire mesh with a chemical infused into it that is implanted into blocked heart arteries. The stent helps to keep the artery open and the drug infused into it helps prevent the body from forming scar tissue and creating further blockage.
Drug-eluting stent	a tiny wire mesh with a chemical infused into it that is implanted into blocked heart arteries. The stent helps to keep the artery open and the drug infused into it helps prevent the body from forming scar tissue and creating further blockage.
DVT	also known as Deep Vein Thrombosis which is a blood clot in a large vein typically discovered in the leg.
E
Echocardiogram	an ultrasound of the heart that shows how well the heart is pumping and if there are problems with the valves.
EF	abbreviation for Ejection Fraction; this indicates how much blood is being pumped out of the heart to the body. A normal EF is between 50% and 65%.
Ejection fraction	this indicates how much blood is being pumped out of the heart to the body. A normal Ejection Fraction is between 50% and 65%.
EKG (or ECG)	a tracing of the heart’s electrical signals indicating problems with the heart rhythm or if the heart is receiving enough blood.
Electrocardiography	also known as EKG or ECG; a tracing of the heart’s electrical signals indicating problems with the heart rhythm or if the heart is receiving enough blood.
Exercise EKG treadmill	a stress test which involves walking on a treadmill while hooked up to an EKG machine.
Exercise nuclear stress test	a stress test which involves walking on a treadmill and injection of a nuclear substance into an IV. A scan of the heart is then done to see how much of the nuclear material has been absorbed into the heart muscle.
F
First diagonal branch	an artery on the front of the heart that branches off of a major artery called the left anterior descending (LAD).
First obtuse marginal	an artery on the side of the heart branching off the Circumflex artery.
Formulary	a list of drugs covered under a prescription plan.
G
Generic	a drug that is not protected by a patent and thus produced cheaper than the Brand. All prescription drugs have a generic name but some may only be sold under expensive Brand names if the manufacturer still has a patent to produce the drug exclusively.
GERD	GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease; a disease in which stomach acid leaks up out of the stomach and into the esophagus often causing pain in the chest.
H
HDL	High Density Lipoproteins; the good cholesterol which helps to protect against heart disease.
Heart attack	a life-threatening event in which the heart is not receiving enough blood.
Heart cath	a procedure in which an artery in the groin is punctured and a small catheter is threaded up into the heart arteries; a dye is injected in the heart arteries to look for blockages in the heart.
Heart failure	a term which means that the heart is unable to pump blood effectively or sometimes relax well enough to push blood out to the rest of the body.
Heartburn	a process in which stomach acid leaks up out of the stomach and into the esophagus often causing pain in the chest.
HF	also known as Heart Failure which means that the heart is unable to pump blood effectively or sometimes relax well enough to push blood out to the rest of the body.
High blood pressure	a problem of high pressure in the arteries classified as 140/90 or greater.
I
ICD	Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator; an electronic device put into the chest to shock the heart in the event of a deadly heart rhythm.
Implantable cardioverter defibrillator	an electronic device put into the chest to shock the heart in the event of a deadly heart rhythm.
Interventional cardiologist	a heart doctor who places stents into the arteries.
L
LAD	Left Anterior Descending; a large heart artery which runs along the front of the heart.
LDL	Low Density Lipoproteins; the bad cholesterol which should be maintained very low in order to reduce the risk of further heart blockages.
Left anterior descending artery	a large heart artery which runs along the front of the heart.
Left main artery	a very large heart artery on the front of the heart which branches off into two other large arteries.
Low-density lipoproteins	the bad cholesterol which should be maintained very low in order to reduce the risk of further heart blockages.
M
Mammary artery	an artery found in the chest that can be cut and repositioned on the heart for bypass surgery.
MI	Myocardial Infarction; also known as a heart attack. A life-threatening event which happens when the heart is not receiving enough blood.
Minimally invasive bypass	a surgery whereby different arteries or veins are attached to portions of a blocked heart artery as a means of bypassing the blockage. It differs from traditional bypass surgery in that smaller incisions are needed and the surgeon may not need to cut through the breast bone.
Myocardial infarction	also known as a heart attack. A life-threatening event which happens when the heart is not receiving enough blood.
N
Niacin	an over-the-counter or prescription B vitamin that helps raise the good cholesterol HDL.
Nitroglycerin	a drug which helps to relieve chest pain caused by heart artery blockages. Nitro can be given under the tongue, as a paste on the skin or through IV.
Nuclear stress test	a stress test which involves injection of a nuclear substance into an IV. A scan of the heart is then done to see how much of the nuclear material has been absorbed into the heart muscle.
O
Obtuse marginal arteries	heart arteries on the left of the heart running down to the bottom or apex of the heart.
Occlusion	a blockage which prevents blood from flowing through an artery.
OM1	First obtuse marginal artery; a heart artery which runs to the left of the heart towards the bottom.
OM2	Second obtuse marginal artery; a heart artery which runs to the left of the heart towards the bottom.
Omega-3 fatty acid	a type of unsaturated fat typically found in fish that helps to reduce the risk of heart disease.
P
Palpitations	the feeling of your heart fluttering, skipping or racing.
PDA	Posterior Descending Artery; a heart artery which runs along the bottom and the back of the heart.
Persantine	a chemical used for some stress tests instead of exercise to indicate blockages in the heart arteries.
Plavix	a Brand name prescription drug used to “thin” the blood and prevent clots in stents or lower the risk of heart attack.
Posterior descending artery	a heart artery which runs along the bottom and the back of the heart.
PPI	Proton Pump Inhibitor; a class of drugs used to reduce acid in the stomach and prevent heartburn.
Prescription assistance	a drug program in which the drug manufacturer gives free or low-cost medicines to low-income patients.
Prognosis	how well a doctor thinks a patient will do during the course of a disease.
Proton pump inhibitor	a class of drugs used to reduce acid in the stomach and prevent heartburn.
Pseudoaneurysm	a buildup of clot and tissue at the site of a needlestick into an artery; resembles ballooning out of an artery like an aneurysm.
Pulmonary embolus	a life-threatening blood clot or clots in the lung vessles.
R
RCA	Right Coronary Artery; a large heart artery that runs around to the right and back of the heart.
Red yeast rice	an over-the-counter supplement that may lower cholesterol; the active ingredient is a primitive statin like Lipitor, Zocor and Crestor.
Right coronary artery	a large heart artery that runs around to the right and back of the heart.
Robotically assisted bypass	a bypass surgery whereby different arteries or veins are attached to portions of a blocked heart artery using robotic equipment. This type of surgery usually requires smaller incisions and shorter recovery times.
S
Second obtuse marginal	a heart artery which runs to the left of the heart towards the bottom.
Severe disease	when “severe” is used in terms of heart blockages this usually means the heart artery is blocked 70% or more.
Sodium	salt
Statin	a medication which works through the liver to lower cholesterol. Examples include Lipitor, Zocor, Crestor, simvastatin, pravastatin, etc.
Stenosis	plaque buildup in the artery; also known as blockages.
Stent	a tiny wire mesh that is implanted in the heart arteries to help keep the artery open.
Stomach acid reducer	a drug used to reduce acid in the stomach and prevent heartburn.
Stress test	a test in which the heart is placed under stress and evaluated as a means of checking for blockages in the heart.
T
Total occlusion	a complete, 100% blockage in an artery.
Triglycerides	a bad type of cholesterol that increases with consumption of carbohydrates.
V
Ventricles	the two bottom chambers of the heart which are the main pumps pushing blood to the lungs and the body.
W
Warfarin	also known as Coumadin; a strong blood thinner used to prevent stroke.
Water pills	drugs that are designed to cause frequent urination so the body loses excess water weight.
*Brand names of medications listed above are manufactured by various companies. The brands are copyrighted by the manufacturer and are the property of that particular company. All medication names listed are for informational purposes only. What To Do When You Have Heart Disease claims no affiliation with any of these products and does not endorse any of the medicines listed.