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Healthy way of life
TREATING ACQUIRED HEART DISEASE: BETA BLOCKERS AND ANTI-ATHEROSCLEROSIS DRUGS Beta blockers Another way of treating angina is by the use of one of a number of compounds - used also in the treatment of high blood-pressure - that nome under the general heading of 'beta blockers'. One of the commoner examples of these is propranolol. The heart's activity is governed by the autonomic nervous system (that part of our nervous system which controls involuntary activities such as gut movements), but in simple terms it is determined by the amount of physical work we give it to do and also by the emotional stresses we put upon it. By restricting the amount of unwanted stimulation generated by adrenalin hormones, it is possible to reduce the incidence of angina. This adrenalin stimulation is mediated by nerve-endings called beta receptors. Beta blockers shield or block the receptors and also screen the heart against excessive stimulation. If the heart is being subjected to high levels of stimulation through emotion, exercise or drugs, the beta blockers will damp down its responsiveness, slowing the rate of heart-beat and reducing the strength of the heart's contractions, thus cutting down the amount of oxygen the heart muscle demands. Once again - careful attention to your doctor's instructions as to how to take these drugs is imperative. They are not suitable for people who have suffered heart failure - indeed, they have a slight weakening effect on heart contractions. So, unless you are also being treated for this condition, they are ruled out. The same is true if you are pregnant or have asthma or diabetes. Side-effects of beta blockers include breathlessness and swelling of the ankles. If these are experienced, report them immediately to your doctor. Anti-atherosclerosis drugs Drugs for alleviating atherosclerosis - the hardening and thickening of the walls of arteries caused by deposits of fats and other substances -form another important group of compounds in the fight against heart disease. In people with high levels of blood-lipids, cholestyramine seems to reduce heart problems as it lowers blood-cholesterol, and we must assume that part of its beneficial action is due to its effect on arterial deposits. The same can be said of drugs (such as bezafibrate) which, in ways not fully understood, also lower the levels of fats and of nicotinic acid in the blood. *37/353/5* CARDIO & BLOOD |
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