14 modern drugs for the heart and blood vessels

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

In this review, we have collected agents that help improve the state of the cardiovascular system: drugs that normalize the condition of the vascular wall, vitamins to support the heart muscle, drugs that improve metabolism, drugs that normalize blood clotting, and others.

Some of them can be used by healthy people to prevent cardiovascular problems. Others are prescribed only by a doctor and require constant monitoring during use. In any case, this review does not provide recommendations for self-diagnosis and self-medication.

Cardiovascular pathology is not a problem that can be treated with prescriptions from the Internet, such diseases require an in-person consultation of a competent specialist, including for diagnosis: pain in the heart area can be a symptom of many diseases, ranging from relatively harmless cardioneurosis, including extremely unpleasant, but not bearing serious consequences of pain caused by compression of the nerve roots, and ending with deadly manifestations of myocardial ischemia (violation of the blood supply to the heart muscle). Therefore, if you suspect you have some kind of heart or vascular disease, do not try to consult the Internet, contact your doctor.

Overview of drugs for the heart and blood vessels

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
means for the prevention of blood clots	1	Acetylsalicylic acid	RUB 18
	2	Clopidogrel	342 r
	3	Warfarin	RUB 48
	4	Xarelto	1 296 RUB
drugs for the treatment of hypertension	1	Perindopril	84 rbl.
	2	Losartan	RUB 44
	3	Carvedilol	RUB 64
means for the treatment of ischemic heart disease	1	Nitroglycerine	RUB 119
	2	Rosuvastatin	156 r
means for improving the metabolism of the heart muscle	1	Trimetazidine	43 rbl.
	2	Meldonium	243 r
Modern dietary supplements	1	Omega-3 1000 mg Evalar	846 RUB
	2	Cardio Capilar with Coenzyme Q10	306 RUB
	3	Doppelherz VIP Cardio System 3	1 286 rub.
Prevention Tips

Overview of drugs for the prevention of blood clots

The ability of platelets to 'stick together', forming blood clots, is a vital necessity for any living organism; without it, we would die from bleeding from the slightest scratch. But this same ability becomes the cause of heart attack or stroke. When the lining of an atherosclerotic plaque is destroyed, the body perceives this part of the vascular wall as damaged and forms a thrombus over it. The lumen of the vessel narrows sharply, which disrupts normal blood flow and leads to necrosis of the area that does not receive enough oxygen.

That is why drugs that reduce the ability of platelets to stick together – antiplatelet agents – are recommended for almost all patients with coronary heart disease, as well as those suffering from hypertension (this condition is a serious risk factor for heart attacks and strokes) and other risk factors for cardiovascular accidents. Moreover, if earlier it was believed that in case of a heart attack, nitroglycerin should be taken first of all, now it is first of all recommended to drink a tablet of acetylsalicylic acid, ordinary aspirin, which will slow down the formation of a blood clot.

Other conditions where drugs that reduce blood clotting are vital are the presence of prostheses of the heart valves or the vascular wall (shunts). Any foreign body provokes the formation of a blood clot. If it occurs in a place with active blood flow (heart valve), then after a while it breaks off and moves through the body with the blood flow until it blocks some small vessel, causing tissue necrosis. Having arisen at the shunt site, a thrombus, as a rule, remains in place and grows until it completely blocks the vessel, provoking a second heart attack.

The third among the most common reasons for prescribing drugs that reduce clotting are arrhythmias with paroxysms of atrial fibrillation. In this case, the part of the heart periodically stops contracting normally and synchronously, starting to 'flutter'. The blood stagnates in the atrium, due to which a thrombus forms, which subsequently enters the bloodstream – according to statistics, with atrial fibrillation, the likelihood of a stroke increases 17 times. To prevent this from happening, doctors also recommend anticoagulants – drugs that reduce clotting.

Most of the drugs described in this section of the rating can be fatal in case of an overdose, so a doctor should prescribe them, and during use, it is periodically necessary to check the state of the coagulation system and, if necessary, adjust the dose of the drug. Therefore, we urge our readers to under no circumstances try to heal themselves.

Acetylsalicylic acid

Popularity rating: 4.9

Trade names: Aspirin Cardio, Trombo-Ass, Cardiomagnil, Acecardol, CardiASK.

In small dosages from 50 to 300 mg, this substance inhibits the 'sticking' of erythrocytes – the first stage of blood clot formation, and it is the blood clots that form over the cholesterol plaque that most often cause an attack of coronary heart disease. Therefore, acetylsalicylic acid is recommended both for the prevention of angina pectoris, heart attack, stroke, and for the already existing ischemic heart disease to prevent complications.

Acetylsalicylic acid can be used for prophylaxis for people over 40 years of age who have risk factors for cardiovascular diseases: obesity, diabetes mellitus, high plasma cholesterol levels, high triglyceride levels, smoking, and arterial hypertension.

As a rule, for the prevention of cardiovascular problems in people with risk factors, a minimum dose of 50-75 mg is recommended (depending on the specific brand name). If coronary heart disease has already been diagnosed, prescribe 100 – 150 mg of acetylsalicylic acid per day, for the prevention of re-infarction, the dosage may increase to 300 mg (the doctor recommends). The course of application can last for years and even become lifelong: since the life of a platelet is only 10 days, it is necessary to constantly use drugs that change their properties.

Acetylsalicylic acid is not recommended for bleeding tendencies during pregnancy.

Advantages

• proven by numerous studies, the effectiveness in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases;
• safety: over-the-counter medicine;
• low price.

disadvantages

• with prolonged use, you need to monitor the state of the gastrointestinal tract.

Clopidogrel

Popularity rating: 4.8

Trade names: Plavix, Zilt, Clopidex.

Another means of preventing the 'sticking' – aggregation – of platelets. As a rule, it is recommended for people who have undergone acute coronary syndrome or transient cerebrovascular accident, both for the treatment of an acute condition, and for the prevention of a second heart attack or stroke. Often, clopidogrel is combined with acetylsalicylic acid to increase efficiency: such therapy, according to research, halves the risk of recurrent heart attacks. In addition, the agent is prescribed for atrial fibrillation to prevent thrombus formation.

Typically, therapy begins with a loading dose of 300 mg, then the drug is prescribed at a dosage of 75 mg per day. The courses of taking clopidogrel are also quite long – from three months, but, unlike acetylsalicylic acid, it is usually not recommended to take it for life. In any case, this medication is prescription, a doctor should prescribe and discontinue it.

Possible adverse events: bleeding, blood disorder (neutropenia), headache, dizziness, abdominal pain, diarrhea, rash, itching.

Clopidogrel is contraindicated in the following conditions: age up to 18 years, pregnancy and lactation, any bleeding, liver failure, individual intolerance.

Advantages

• proven to reduce mortality;
• proven efficacy in preventing heart attacks and strokes in atrial fibrillation;
• proven efficacy in the prevention of re-infarction.

disadvantages

• prescription drug.

Warfarin

Popularity rating: 4.7

This drug does not act on platelets, but on special blood plasma proteins – coagulation factors, reducing their activity. It is prescribed for the treatment of acute thrombosis, in particular, venous thrombi in thrombophlebitis, pulmonary embolism, as well as for the prevention of thrombus formation in atrial fibrillation. For more than 60 years of medical use of warfarin – the first clinical results were obtained in 1955 – its advantages and disadvantages have been well studied and the remedy has become a kind of 'gold standard' of therapy against which the effectiveness of other, newer drugs is compared.

Warfarin is, figuratively speaking, 'heavy artillery', which is assigned in life-threatening situations. On the other hand, its use itself can cause dangerous bleeding (occurs in about 8% of patients), so it should be used under the supervision of a doctor, monitoring the state of the coagulation system every 2 to 3 weeks. In an overdose, warfarin is relatively easily neutralized by vitamin K.

Contraindications to the use of warfarin: the first trimester of pregnancy, the last 4 weeks of pregnancy, acute bleeding or hemorrhage of any origin, varicose veins, decreased platelet count, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer, malignant hypertension, severe liver and kidney disease.

In addition, warfarin interacts in one way or another with many drugs, including medicinal herbs: for example, ordinary St. John's wort reduces its effectiveness, and sage, on the contrary, increases the risk of bleeding. The list of drugs that in one way or another alter the activity of warfarin is huge without exaggeration, and it is simply impossible to cite it completely within the framework of the review. Therefore, when using this anticoagulant, the use of any other means, including folk remedies, will have to be coordinated with the attending physician (or, in extreme cases, check the interaction table in the instructions for use).

Because warfarin is neutralized by vitamin K, you must follow a diet while taking it. Liver, Brussels sprouts, parsley, green onions, cucumbers, blueberries, broccoli, olive oil are excluded from the diet.

Advantages

• time-tested remedy;
• easily neutralized if necessary;
• extremely cheap.

disadvantages

• requires regular monitoring of the coagulation system;
• interacts with many medications, which can alter its effectiveness;
• requires dietary restrictions.

Xarelto

Popularity rating: 4.6

Appearing on the pharmaceutical market in 2011, this drug became the first real alternative to warfarin in the treatment of thromboembolism and the prevention of strokes in atrial fibrillation. It does not require constant monitoring of the blood coagulation system, which in itself is a huge advantage for both patients and doctors. This is what made us include the tool in the review for the heart and blood vessels.

In addition, Xarelto has several times fewer identified drug interactions. It cannot be combined with the antifungal agent ketoconazole, the antiviral retonavir, and the antibiotic erythromycin – these drugs enhance the effect of Xarelto, which can lead to bleeding. This concludes the list of 'prohibited' drugs. The medicine does not require a special diet.

On the other hand, Xarelto does not have a specific antidote, which can become a real danger in overdose-induced bleeding. In addition, all the advantages of the drug for most people in our country are canceled out by its high price.

Contraindications for use: pregnancy and lactation, acute bleeding, individual intolerance, conditions leading to an increased risk of bleeding: stomach or duodenal ulcer, malignant neoplasms, recent trauma, impaired liver function, etc., concomitant use of anticoagulants, age up to 18 years.

Xarelto is prescribed only with a doctor's prescription!

Advantages

• lack of drug interactions;
• does not require long-term selection of dosage;
• there is no need for frequent monitoring of the state of the blood coagulation system;

disadvantages

• high price.

Overview of drugs for the treatment of hypertension

High blood pressure, or, in medical terms, arterial hypertension is a problem from which in our country up to 40% of women and up to 47% of men suffer. Elevated is called the 'upper' – systolic – pressure more than 140 mm Hg. Art and / or 'lower' – diastolic – more than 90 mm. rt. Art.

If in the last century it was believed that the main thing is to 'remove' the hypertensive crisis, and in itself a stable high blood pressure is relatively safe, now it has been reliably established that even a slight hypertension is dangerous in itself. Constantly increased pressure thickens blood vessels, making them less elastic. Due to vascular hardening, renal function is impaired. An increased load on the heart muscle – after all, it has to overcome more resistance – causes excessive myocardial growth. This condition is called left ventricular hypertrophy. In this case, the heart muscle begins to require more oxygen, and the lumen of the coronary vessels does not increase at best. As a result, arterial hypertension increases the likelihood of cardiovascular catastrophes: heart attacks and strokes, which cause 55% of all deaths.

Since high blood pressure leads to adverse consequences even with a slight increase, the concept of 'working pressure' in medicine has ceased to be relevant, and the treatment of hypertension has become lifelong. Modern drugs 'for pressure' are aimed at preventing an increase in blood pressure, and they must be taken constantly, adjusting the dose or combining with others until a stable normal blood pressure is achieved.

Hypertension cannot be 'cured' once and for all, unless it is caused by excess weight, improper lifestyle, or excess salt intake. But by constantly maintaining pressure within the normal range, you can avoid serious complications and reduce the likelihood of cardiovascular accidents. Most often, it is not possible to achieve the target blood pressure using only one drug, so the funds have to be combined.

Perindopril

Popularity rating: 4.5

Trade names: Prestarium, Perineva, Kovereks

Belongs to a class of drugs – angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. That is, perindopril blocks a special enzyme that is involved in the synthesis of the hormone angiotensin II, which constricts blood vessels.

With constant use, perindopril helps to restore the elasticity of the vascular wall, reduces the pressure in the capillaries of the lungs, reduces left ventricular hypertrophy, that is, excessive myocardial growth. Improves capillary blood circulation, which means blood supply to tissues, reduces the need for heart muscle in oxygen. According to research, taking perindopril for 4 years reduces the risk of myocardial infarction by 19%.

It is applied once a day, which is very convenient for the patient. A stable result appears after a month of therapy, therefore, at first, it may be necessary to combine perindopril with fast-acting antihypertensive drugs, for example, captopril. If for some reason the drug is stopped, the withdrawal syndrome – a sharp increase in blood pressure – does not occur.

It is produced in tablets of 4 and 8 mg, it is recommended to start with 4 mg, if after a month the decrease in blood pressure is not enough, it is necessary to switch to a dosage of 8 mg. If perindopril is prescribed to patients who are already taking diuretics (diuretics), they should start with 2 mg, after 1 – 2 weeks go to 4 mg, then act depending on the effect obtained.

Perindopril is contraindicated in: individual intolerance, pregnancy and lactation (safety has not been studied), under 18 years of age (safety has not been studied), a history of severe allergy to any ACE inhibitor (captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, etc.), bilateral stenosis (narrowing) of the renal arteries.

Possible side effects: dry cough, dry mouth, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, headache, skin rash, impaired sexual function.
Perindopril is available by prescription.

Advantages

• it is enough to take once a day;
• prevents changes in the vascular wall and myocardium caused by increased blood pressure;
• improves the condition in chronic heart failure.

disadvantages

• a stable result is achieved only after a month of constant use;
• with an acute rise in blood pressure, it acts too slowly.

Losartan

Popularity rating: 4.4

Trade names: Lorista, Lozap, Vazotenz, Kozaar, Lozarel.

It belongs to a group of drugs – angiotensin II receptor blockers, they are also angiotensin II antagonists.

Losartan is the first and most studied drug in this group. It protects the body from the action of the hormone angiotensin II. Expands overly constricted blood vessels reduces pressure in the capillaries of the lungs, protects against sodium retention and, as a result, water in the body. Reduces left ventricular hypertrophy. Protects the vessels of the kidneys from the influence of high blood pressure (has an anti-sclerotic effect on the renal tissue). Improves the condition of chronic heart failure. According to studies, when used for 5 years, losartran reduces the likelihood of stroke by 25%.

The remedy is taken once a day, after the start of taking a stable effect is achieved after 3 to 6 weeks.

The recommended daily dose is 50 mg. People taking diuretics or suffering from chronic heart failure are advised to start with 12.5 mg (a quarter of a tablet), increasing the dosage once a week.

Losartran is contraindicated: for individual intolerance, under the age of 18 (efficacy and safety have not been tested), during pregnancy and lactation, with dehydration, with a decrease in the level of potassium in the blood.

Possible side effects: nasal congestion, headache, fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, a sharp drop in blood pressure when moving from a lying position to a sitting position.

Sold by prescription.

Advantages

• applied once a day;
• protects the kidneys from complications of arterial hypertension;
• helps to prevent left ventricular hypertrophy.

disadvantages

• a stable effect is achieved only after a few weeks of admission.

Carvedilol

Popularity rating: 4.3

Trade names: Dilatrend, Talliton, Carvedil, Acridilol.

It belongs to the group of alpha and beta blockers. Blocks receptors for adrenaline, preventing vasoconstriction and promoting the expansion of arterioles.

Carvedilol prevents myocardial hypertrophy. It has an antianginal effect, that is, it reduces the frequency of angina attacks. According to studies, the drug reduces the risk of death by 28% in patients with II and III degrees of heart failure. Promotes normalization of plasma lipid composition, reducing the amount of 'bad' cholesterol. Stimulates the action of other antihypertensive drugs.

Carvedilol is recommended to be taken orally, 2 times a day. They start with a dosage of 6.25 mg or half a tablet (only 12.5 mg per day), after 1 – 2 weeks the dosage is increased to 25 mg per day, if it is also ineffective, after another 2 weeks the dose can be increased to 50 mg / day.

The agent is categorically contraindicated in the following conditions: individual intolerance, systolic, 'upper' pressure below 87 mm Hg. Art., severe heart failure, marked slowing of the heart rate, cardiogenic shock, bronchial asthma, severe liver disease, arrhythmias: atrioventricular block 2 – 3 degrees, sinoatrial block, sick sinus syndrome.

Not recommended for use in vasospastic angina pectoris, diabetes mellitus, peripheral vascular disease, diabetes mellitus, pheochromocytoma, low sugar levels, hyperthyroidism, psoriasis, renal dysfunction, age up to 18 years and over 65 years.

Possible side effects: dizziness, weakness, a sharp decrease in blood pressure, fainting, impaired circulation in the extremities, impaired blood composition (decrease in the number of leukocytes, platelets), sleep disturbance, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, nasal congestion, urinary disorders.

It is used only with a doctor's prescription.

Advantages

• reduces the number of angina attacks.

disadvantages

• requires a gradual increase in dosage;
• a large number of restrictions on the application.

Review of remedies for coronary artery disease

Generally speaking, many of the drugs that could be mentioned in this section of the review have already been detailed elsewhere. In the treatment of coronary heart disease, antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants are also widely used to reduce blood viscosity; and antihypertensive agents, the effects of which include the ability to prevent ischemic attacks. As an additional therapy, agents are used that improve the metabolism of the heart muscle, which we will mention below, and even dietary supplements. Therefore, in this section, we want to focus on drugs that are primarily associated with the treatment of coronary artery disease among ordinary people: nitrates, in particular nitroglycerin, and means for normalizing the lipid composition of plasma, that is, reducing the amount of 'bad' cholesterol.

Nitroglycerine

Popularity rating: 4.2

Trade names: Nitromint, Nitrosprey, Nitrocor, Nitrong, Sustak Forte, Trinitrolong.

This is perhaps the most famous 'heart' remedy. Nitroglycerin has traditionally been used to relieve or prevent chest pain. Acute pain in coronary heart disease occurs due to impaired blood flow and lack of oxygen. By expanding the vessels of the heart, nitroglycerin restores blood flow and relieves pain.

In order to relieve an attack that has already occurred, the agent is used in a fast-acting form. It can be pills that are put under the tongue – so they enter the bloodstream after 1.5 minutes, bypassing the liver – or sprays that are sprayed, again, under the tongue. The duration of the effect of fast acting forms does not exceed 30 minutes.

Long-acting nitroglycerin can be either in tablets or in the form of an ointment, which begins to act in half an hour and retains the effect for up to 6 hours; or a patch with a duration of 18, 24 and even 32 hours. Nitroglycerin in similar forms, as well as any long-acting nitrates, are often addictive, which is why their effectiveness is reduced. Therefore, when using ointments and patches, it is recommended to remove them at night, so that during this period the drug is absent in the body and sensitivity to it is restored. For the same reason, nitroglycerin is usually recommended not for permanent use, but before possible physical or emotional stress.

The most common side effects when using nitroglycerin are headache, flushing of the face and orthostatic hypotension, that is, a sharp drop in pressure when moving from a lying position to a standing position.

Nitroglycerin is contraindicated in: low blood pressure, myocardial infarction with systolic blood pressure below 90 mm. rt. Art., heart rate less than 50 beats per minute, cerebral hemorrhage, increased intracranial pressure, toxic pulmonary edema, pregnancy, breastfeeding.

Available without a prescription.

Advantages

• known. a drug tested for a long time in practice,
• non-prescription leave,
• low price.

disadvantages

• with uncontrolled intake, it can dramatically reduce blood pressure,
• with constant use, the effectiveness decreases.

Rosuvastatin

Popularity rating: 4.1

Trade names: Roxera, Crestor, Rosucard, Rosulip, Mertenil, Tevastor.

It belongs to the group of statins – drugs that reduce the activity of liver cholesterol synthesis.

In addition to directly blocking the enzyme involved in the synthesis of the direct precursor of cholesterol, rosuvastatin increases the uptake from the blood and the destruction of cholesterol by liver cells. Thus, the content of 'bad' cholesterol (low density lipoproteins and very low density, triglycerides) decreases, which slows down the progression of atherosclerosis, and, therefore, the narrowing of the coronary (and not only) vessels.

During the clinical use of the drug – since 2003 – rosuvastatin has become one of the most studied statins, which made us include it in the review of drugs for the heart and blood vessels.

Rosuvastatin can be prescribed both to people with an existing ischemic heart disease, and to those who have elevated plasma cholesterol levels, but there are no clinical manifestations of atherosclerosis, such as ischemic heart disease or cerebrovascular accident. The drug is also recommended for patients with diabetes mellitus, since this disease is also often accompanied by an increase in cholesterol levels and atherosclerosis.

According to studies, the regular use of rosuvastatin can reduce the amount of cholesterol plaques in the carotid coronary and other large arteries by 40%, but this effect appears no earlier than after 9 months of administration.

Rosuvastatin is started at a dosage of 5 or 10 mg per day, after 4 weeks, depending on the effect achieved, the dosage can be increased to the recommended dosage of 20 mg per day. In severe cases, the dose can be increased to 40 mg, but this is fraught with an increase in the number of undesirable effects.

It should be noted that Rosuvastatin is involved in a large number of drug interactions. For example, when used simultaneously with clopidogrel (which, as you remember, is often used in the treatment of coronary artery disease), its effect is almost doubled. And when used simultaneously with hormonal contraceptives, rosuvastatin increases the activity of the latter by almost a third. All these aspects are detailed in the instructions for use and they must be taken into account when taking the medicine.

Not without side effects. Rosuvastatin can trigger the development of conditions such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, headache, dizziness, nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, muscle pain, and protein in the urine.

The drug is categorically contraindicated for: pregnancy, acute and exacerbation of chronic liver diseases, myopathies, severe renal failure, excessive alcohol consumption.

Rosuvastatin must be prescribed by a doctor and is available with a prescription.

Advantages

• proven to reduce the amount of cholesterol in blood plasma by 40-50% (effectiveness depends on the dose);
• helps to reduce the number of atherosclerotic plaques.

disadvantages

• effectiveness changes when combined with other drugs,
• relatively high incidence of adverse events.

Review of remedies to improve heart muscle metabolism

In this section of the review, we have included agents from different pharmacological groups, united by one common property – they reduce the sensitivity of the heart muscle to a lack of oxygen and improve metabolic processes.

Trimetazidine

Popularity rating: 4.0

Trade names: Preductal, Predizim, Deprenorm, Rimecor.

Optimizes metabolism and function of heart muscle cells and brain nerve cells. It transfers them to a more rational use of the supplied oxygen, protects against oxidative stress that occurs during ischemia. With regular use (at least 2 weeks), it reduces the frequency of angina attacks, increases resistance to physical exertion, and levels out changes in blood pressure.

Mentioned in clinical guidelines for the treatment of coronary artery disease.

It is recommended to take Trimetazidine 1 tablet (20 mg) 2 or 3 times a day.

The tool is quite safe – allergic reactions are possible from undesirable phenomena, rarely – headache, palpitations.

It is contraindicated in pregnancy, lactation, children under 18 years of age, since for obvious reasons it is impossible to conduct a study of efficacy and safety in these groups of people.In addition, it is not recommended for use in severely impaired liver and kidney function.

Dispensed by prescription

Advantages

• reduces the frequency of heart attacks,
• reduces the need for nitrates in patients with coronary artery disease,
• helps to normalize blood pressure.

disadvantages

• prescription drug.

Meldonium

Popularity rating: 3.9

Trade names: Mildronate, Meldonium Organic, Idrinol

After the doping scandal, when this drug was 'outlawed' in big sports, many forgot that initially meldonium (known in Russia as Mildronate) was developed for people with cardiovascular diseases: it increases the resistance of the heart muscle to a lack of oxygen. Meldonium improves metabolism in the heart muscle (and the rest of the striated muscles, too), improves exercise tolerance, improves stress resistance, increases efficiency, reduces symptoms of both physical and psychological stress.

It can be recommended both for healthy people for prophylactic purposes, and as part of complex therapy for coronary heart disease, chronic cerebrovascular accident.

Apply 500 mg 2 times a day. The prophylactic course is 10 – 14 days, with increased physical exertion, it can be extended to 21 days, as part of a complex therapy, the duration of the course of use is 4 – 6 weeks.

Not recommended for children under 18 years of age, pregnant and lactating as safety has not been studied.

Dispensed by prescription.

Advantages

• a wide spectrum of action – can be taken not only 'for the heart', but also to increase efficiency.

disadvantages

• prescription drug.

Modern dietary supplements

These funds are designed to supply the body with substances. which can positively affect the state of blood vessels and the heart. but at the same time they come with food in extremely insignificant quantities or do not come at all. These can be vitamins, trace elements, vitamin-like substances (unlike vitamins, they can be synthesized by the body, but not in such quantities to make up for the deficiency), coenzymes (substances that regulate the activity of enzymes), and others.

Omega-3 1000 mg Evalar

Popularity rating: 3.8

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are most often mentioned in the context of the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Indeed, these substances have such effects as:

1. hypocholesterolemic – help to reduce plasma cholesterol levels;
2. hypotriglyceridemic – regulate the amount of plasma fats;
3. antiatherogenic – contribute to the prevention of atherosclerosis;
4. antithrombogenic – normalize blood clotting, preventing the formation of blood clots in the area of ​​cholesterol plaques and blockage of blood vessels;
5. vasodilating (hypotensive) – helps to relax the smooth muscles of the vascular wall, expand the lumen of blood vessels and lower blood pressure;
6. anti-inflammatory – in order for a cholesterol plaque to begin to form, a local focus of inflammation is needed in the area of ​​the vascular wall – only under this condition cholesterol can penetrate through the inner lining of the vessel (endothelium) into deeper layers, forming a plaque;
7. antiarrhythmic,
8. cardioprotective.

But besides this, Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have other effects. They are involved in the formation of cells of the nervous tissue and retina, increase the quality of sleep in children and adults, help reduce the manifestations of depression, and regulate the immune system. Some studies confirm the positive effect of omega-3 PUFAs in autoimmune diseases, atopic dermatitis.

The American Heart Association recommends that healthy people consume at least 500 mg of Omega-3 PUFAs daily, while American cardiologists advise people with pre-existing coronary heart disease to take at least 1000 mg of Omega-3 PUFAs daily. The Russian Rospotrebnadzor believes that a healthy person needs 800 to 1600 mg of Omega-3 per day.

Omega-3 produced by Evalar contains 1000 mg of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which allows you to replenish the daily need according to both international and domestic recommendations with just one capsule per day. Those who decide to follow the advice of American cardiologists and maintain the health of the heart and blood vessels, consuming 500 mg of omega-3, can take a capsule every other day.

Advantages

• convenient dosage;
• low price.

disadvantages

• not.

Cardio Capilar with Coenzyme Q10

Popularity rating: 3.7

This remedy is based on dihydroquercetin, a biologically active substance of plant origin (bioflavonoid). In addition, the preparation contains ubiquinone (coenzyme Q10), vitamin C and selenium.

Dihydroquercetin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and helps to lower the level of 'bad' cholesterol. It improves microcirculation – blood flow in the capillaries, contributing to the normalization of blood circulation in the heart muscle. In combination with vitamin C, it increases the strength and elasticity of the vascular wall.

Selenium not only protects the body from stress, but also has antioxidant properties. According to some studies, with a selenium deficiency in the body, the likelihood of developing coronary heart disease increases by 70%.

Coenzyme Q10 is involved in the production of energy by cells, stabilizes cell membranes, supports the activity of enzymes necessary for the normal functioning of myocardial cells. Has antiarrhythmic effect, slows down the development of atherosclerosis.

Take 1 tablet 3 times a day. The duration of the course is 1 – 2 months.

Not recommended for children under 14 years of age, pregnant and lactating as a safety study in these groups has not been conducted.

Advantages

• complex action can be taken not only for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. but also to increase resistance to physical and emotional stress.

disadvantages

• the need to take 2 tablets a day.

Doppelherz VIP Cardio System 3

Popularity rating: 3.6

A complex of biologically active substances: vitamins, minerals, antioxidants. In order for the substances included in it to interact with each other in an optimal way, they were divided into 3 types of capsules: morning, afternoon, evening.

We will not list the functions of all twenty components that make up the dietary supplement, we will dwell only on some of them:

1. Magnesium, a mineral – 'antistress'. Regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates and proteins, energy supply to the heart muscle, promotes relaxation of vascular smooth muscles (improved blood flow). Influences clotting, preventing increased thrombus formation.

2. Folic acid is essential for the growth and development of all organs and tissues, especially for the formation of blood cells.

3. Vitamin B1 – participates in almost all metabolic reactions, is necessary for the normal functioning of muscles and heart. central nervous system.

4. Vitamin B12 – influences blood formation, regulates blood coagulation processes

5. Lecithin – a component of cell membranes and nervous tissue, helps to normalize fat metabolism, improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system.

6. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, the positive effect of which on the body we have described in detail above. It should be noted that the drug contains 450 mg of omega-3, which is suitable for healthy people, but not enough for those who already suffer from cardiovascular diseases.

7. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that slows down aging, protects cells from the action of reactive oxygen species, which are formed both during intoxication (especially exposure to heavy metals) and during ischemia (insufficient blood supply).

8. Ascorbic acid – makes the walls of blood vessels more durable.

9. Selenium is another powerful antioxidant. It also increases the body's resistance to stress.

There are 84 capsules in the package, 3 of each type, that is, for 28 days. The recommended course duration is 2 months.

Advantages

• magnesium, selenium provide protection against stress;
• the multicomponent composition provides support for the body in several ways.

disadvantages

• suboptimal dosage of omega-3;
• the need to take pills 3 times a day;
• high price.

Prevention Tips

Concluding our review of drugs for the heart and blood vessels, we cannot but note that according to WHO experts, human health depends only 20% on the development of medicine, including the drugs that he takes, and 80% on the result of lifestyle. Here are their recommendations for those who want to keep their heart and blood vessels healthy for a long time.

Limit salt intake to 5 grams per day. Excess salt traps fluid, which in turn increases blood pressure and strain on the heart. Excess salt can enter the body with products such as canned food, semi-finished products, sausages, pickles, marinades.

Move for at least 150 minutes a week (just over 20 minutes a day). It is not necessary to go to the gym to the point of exhaustion – the concept of 'moving' also includes walking, cycling, household chores, and active games with children.

Try to keep your weight within the normal range. This means that the value determined by the formula: weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters should not be lower than 18.5 and higher than 24.99. Both underweight and overweight increase the risk of death from cardiovascular disease.

Monitor your blood pressure. BP above 140/90 is a risk factor for coronary heart disease. If your family does not have hypertension, measure your blood pressure at least once every six months. If your parents suffer from this disease, have a blood pressure monitor at home and measure blood pressure regularly. When you turn to a doctor for advice, remember that modern drugs “for pressure” are not aimed at “knocking down” already elevated blood pressure, but are designed to prevent its increase. Therefore, they are taken constantly, every day, for life.

If, despite following these recommendations, your heart still starts to give you anxiety, do not self-medicate, contact your doctor!

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