Beta-blockers are a type of prescription medication that is used to reduce the activity of the heart. Primarily they come as tablets or capsules for most conditions, but they are also available as eye drops and liquid preparations, depending on their intended use. There are several types of beta-blocker, including propranolol, atenolol, labetalol, sotalol and bisoprolol, with each type having one or more brand names.

Angiotensin-II receptor blockers (ARBs) are a group of prescription medications commonly used to treat various conditions. Also known as angiotensin-II receptor antagonists, they include losartan, candesartan, valsartan, olmesartan, irbesartan, telmisartan, eprosartan, and azilsartan. These medications are primarily available in tablet form.

Simvastatin is a medication that belongs to a group of drugs called statins. It is used to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood and lower the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease, angina, heart attack, or stroke. In this article, we will discuss the important aspects of simvastatin, including its mechanism of action, who it is suitable for, how to take it, its potential side effects, and who should avoid taking it.

Atorvastatin, available as tablets and marketed as Lipitor, belongs to the statin class of medications. Statins are lipid-regulating drugs that target cholesterol and triglycerides. By reducing the production of "bad cholesterol" (non-HDL cholesterol) from the liver, atorvastatin helps lower triglyceride levels and increase "good cholesterol" (HDL cholesterol) in the body. This action reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular problems like coronary heart disease, angina, heart attack, or stroke. HDL cholesterol acts as a carrier, removing non-HDL cholesterol from arteries for elimination by the liver. Atorvastatin requires a prescription.

Aspirin is an anti-inflammatory painkiller and antiplatelet. It tends to come in two different strengths: 325 mg and 81 mg (also known as baby aspirin). The 325 mg dose is primarily used as a pain reliever, and the 81 mg is used as an antiplatelet to help prevent blood clots from forming in the body. Aspirin can come in many different formulations, including dispersible, gastro-resistant and regular tablets. When taken as a tablet, it is important that it is taken with or after food as it can cause stomach irritation. It is also formulated as oral gels, heat rub-on gels and heat sprays. It can start to work within 20 to 30 minutes of taking it, or instantly with rub or spray-on formulations.

ACE inhibitors, exclusively available through medical prescription, encompass a class of pharmacological agents that include benazepril, ramipril, enalapril, lisinopril, perindopril, quinapril, fosinopril, moexipril, captopril, and trandolapril. Primarily recommended for adults dealing with high blood pressure (hypertension and heart failure, certain ACE inhibitors can also be prescribed to pediatric patients. These medications are available in various formulations, including tablets, capsules, and oral liquids.

Statins are a type of medication that is classed as lipid-regulating medications. Lipids are fat compounds found in the body that include cholesterol and triglycerides. They are used for many important functions, but sometimes there is too much of a good thing! High levels of non-HDL cholesterol and triglycerides can lead to the build-up of fatty deposits in your arteries (known as atherosclerosis), increasing your risk of developing cardiovascular problems such as coronary heart disease, angina, heart attack, or stroke. Therefore, taking a statin reduces this risk. Statins reduce the production of 'bad cholesterol' (non-HDL cholesterol), lower triglyceride levels, and increase 'good cholesterol' (HDL cholesterol) levels in your body. Statins work by inhibiting an enzyme in your body called HMG-CoA reductase. There are seven statins available on prescription in the US. These are atorvastatin, simvastatin, rosuvastatin, pravastatin, lovastatin, pitavastatin, and fluvastatin.