Coronary artery disease (CAD) refers to a medical problem in which fatty substances accumulate in the blood vessels and make blood flow throughout the body difficult. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute notes that symptoms of CAD include chest pain, discomfort and difficulty breathing. Sometimes, CAD sufferers may experience no symptoms at all. Left untreated, CAD can lead to a stroke or heart attack. Fortunately, common medications used for CAD reduce fatty substances from building up.
Lisinopril
Lisinopril, typically sold as Zestril or Prinivil, is a medication that belongs to a set of drugs known as ACE (angiotensin-converting enzymes). This medication treats coronary artery disease and high blood pressure. Drugs.com indicates that lisinopril also increases survival after having a heart attack (myocardial infarction). Lisinopril can lead to a cough, depression, dizziness, vomiting and diarrhea. Sometimes, lisinopril can cause such serious effects as chest pain, body aches, fainting, lightheadedness and muscle weakness. It is important to inform a doctor when lisinopril leads to these effects. Suffering with diabetes, heart or liver disease, congestive heart failure and diseases of the connective tissue may require a lowering of lisinopril's dose. Lisinopril is a tablet, typically taken daily, or as prescribed.
Aspirin
Aspirin, typically sold as Ecotrin, Bayer or Excedrin, is another medication that specifically treats coronary artery disease. MedlinePlus explains that aspirin can also treat rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and the pain from toothaches, menstrual cramps, headaches and muscle aches. It says that this medication is used to prevent heart attacks. Some of aspirin's side effects include stomach pain, heartburn, vomiting and nausea. Some of its more serious side effects include wheezing, trouble breathing, bloody vomit, hives and ringing in the ears. It is important to seek a doctor's help when aspirin leads to the these effects. Taking such drugs as benazepril, captopril, warfarin and heparin may necessitate a reduction in aspirin's dose. Aspirin is available as a tablet, rectal suppository or gum, and is taken daily, or as a physician prescribes.
Diltiazem
Diltiazem, typically sold as Dilacor, Tiazac or Cardizem, is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as calcium channel blockers. Drugs.com states that this medication treats chest pain (angina), high blood pressure, and it normalizes the heart rhythm. Sometimes, diltiazem causes redness, itching, nausea, dizziness, a stuffy nose, redness and a tingly feeling underneath the skin. Diltiazem's more serious side effects include fainting, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, yellowing of the skin or eyes, a sore throat and fever. It is important to avoid using diltiazem when suffering from low blood pressure and heart rhythm problems. Diltiazem is available as a capsule or tablet taken once a day or as prescribed.
