Focus on Heart Health

One common type is coronary artery disease. This occurs when the arteries that bring blood to your heart muscle become blocked or narrowed. When that happens, it is hard for blood and oxygen to reach your heart.

If you have coronary artery disease, you are at risk for a heart attack, heart failure and stroke. If you feel chest pain or tightness in your chest when you do any physical activity or exercise, you may have what doctors call angina. This is a warning sign you shouldn't ignore.

There is no cure for coronary artery disease, but some medicines can help protect you from heart attacks and other heart conditions that can be deadly. If you have or are worried that you might have coronary artery disease or another heart problem, it is important to contact your doctor immediately. Together, you can determine how to protect yourself from future problems.

My agency, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), published a guide to help people understand options for treating coronary artery disease. The guide, ACE Inhibitors and ARBs to Protect Your Heart? A Guide for Patients Being Treated for Stable Coronary Heart Disease, examines medicines prescribed for this condition. These include ACE inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs).

ACE inhibitors and ARBs usually treat high blood pressure but also appear to help people with stable coronary heart disease. The guide lays out the pros and cons of adding ACE inhibitors or ARBs to other medicines. Here are some highlights:

• Both medicines can reduce the risk for death, heart attacks and heart failure.
• Possible side effects of ACE inhibitors include a persistent cough, sudden fainting and other problems. Risks associated with both ACE inhibitors and ARBs include problems with the heart's beat and sudden swelling of the tongue, lips, throat, hands or feet.
• There are several ACE inhibitors and ARBs available. Finding the right one depends on balancing the benefits, side effects and costs.