Anticoagulants (Blood Thinners)

• Reduce platelet adhesion and clot formation.
• Commonly used in preventing thrombosis:
  • Aspirin (ASA): For daily prevention in at-risk patients.
  • Heparin: Used acutely, especially during hospital stays.
  • Warfarin: Oral anticoagulant; requires monitoring and an antidote—Vitamin K.
• Risk: Excessive anticoagulation can cause bleeding or internal hemorrhages.

Lipid-Lowering Drugs

• Purpose: Reduce serum cholesterol and triglycerides.
• Examples: Statins and other classes (not named specifically here).
• Benefit: Lower the risk of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease.

Statins (e.g., Lipitor):

• Mode of action: Block the enzyme involved in synthesis of LDL cholesterol in the liver.
• Purpose:
  • Reduce LDL (“bad”) lipoproteins in the blood.
  • Decrease the formation of atheromatous plaques (atherosclerosis).
• Benefit: Lowering LDL levels helps prevent atherosclerotic buildup in coronary arteries, reducing the risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular events.

Summary

• Anticoagulants to prevent clots, and lipid-lowering medications to prevent arterial blockages
• Medications like statins, vasodilators, anticoagulants, and blood pressure drugs play critical roles in managing cardiovascular disease.

• Recognizing risk factors for CAD and understanding the effects of atherosclerosis help guide preventive strategies and treatments to reduce mortality and improve quality of life.