Pharmacologic therapy following acute myocardial infarction
Azpitarte, J.
Ars Pharm.36;(4);493-506, (1995)
Key words:Post-myocardial infarction, Aspirine, Simvastatin, Estrogen therapy, Betablockers, ACE inhibitors, Calcium channel blockers, Antiarrhythmic agentsAbstract
The treatmen after myocardial infarction depends on the patient risk. Daily aspirine is advised for patients at low risk. There is also a growing tendency to prescribe an "statine" in order to mantain the cholesterol level below 210 mg/dL. Estrogen therapy can be considered in post-menopausal women. Beta-blocker agents have a proved benefit for patients at moderate risk because they reduce sudden death and reinfarction. Verapamil is an option when the beta-blocker can not be tolerated. Treatment with ACE inhibitors benefit patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Other pharmacologic agents are of unproved benefit -eg, nitrates- or have harmful effects- eg, nifedipine, diltiazem in patients with heart failure and class I antiarrhythmic drugs-. Only amiodarone seems to be useful for patients with severe ventricular arryhthmias.
Return to index