Category:Drugs

Although very diverse, cardiovascular drugs can be broadly classified according to their pharmacological action. Basic details of the major groups, together with lists of the drugs are described as follow:

• ACE inhibitors
• Alpha blockers
• Angiotensin II receptor Blockers ARB
• Antiarrhythmics
• Beta blockers
• Calcium-channel Blocker, CCB
• Diuretics

Platelet aggregation is important in haemostasis and is also involved in thrombus formation, particularly in the arterial circulation. Antiplatelet drugs reduce platelet aggregation and are used to prevent further thromboembolic events in patients who have suffered myocardial infarction, ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attacks, or unstable angina, and for primary prevention of a thromboembolic event in patients at risk.

Antiplatelet drugs act through a wide range of mechanisms. Aspirin is the most widely used. It acts by irreversibly inhibiting platelet cyclo-oxygenase and thus preventing synthesis of thromboxane A2.