BEN: I’m glad Nurse White took the time to go through everything with me. I feel I now have a better understanding of what the different drugs do and why I should take them. She also suggested that I can go and speak to the pharmacist any time if I do want more information.
- Aspirin (low dose) – The aspirin helps keep my blood thin reducing the risk of clots forming and therefore reducing risk of heart attack. I should take my aspirin after food because it can cause indigestion and I shouldn’t take any other pain killers with aspirin in it.
- Beta blockers – The beta-blockers slow my heart rate down and reduce the amount of work it has to do. I now know I should never stop them suddenly as it may bring back my symptoms. I recognise that although impotence is a side effect, I developed this problem when I wasn’t taking them.
- Nitrates – The GTN spray helps widen the arteries whichin turn helps more blood get to the heart. I should use the spray under my tongue if I get a pain in the centre of my chest, a heaviness or a tightness. If my symptoms last longer than 15minutes after using the spray 3 times I should dial 999. I hope that never happens…
- Statins – Statins help reduce the amount of cholesterol in my blood which is the fat that can cause narrowing to the arteries. I should take my statin at bedtime because it will be most effective then. If I get any muscle pain or aches I should tell my nurse/GP
- Ben says: “I’m glad Nurse White took the time to go through everything with me. I feel I now have a better understanding of what the different drugs do and why I should take them. She also suggested that I can go and speak to the pharmacist any time if I do want more information”
Page last reviewed: 05 Jun 2020
