Antiarrhythmics

• Doctors prescribe antiarrhythmic medications to control irregularities in heart rate or rhythm. Antiarrhythmics' purpose is to eliminate the effects of having an irregular heartbeat, such as lightheadedness, chest pain and shortness of breath. There are several different types and brands of antiarrythmic drugs, which doctors select based upon the cause of your irregular heartbeat. It is common to try several different antiarrhythmics before finding the one that works best. Doctors utilize information such as your health history, other medications and results from tests like EKGs when selecting the type of antiarrhythmic to prescribe.
  
  

Nitroglycerin

• Nitroglycerin is a safe prescription medication used since the 19th century to relieve chronic chest pain called angina. Instead of swallowing a nitroglycerin tablet, you simply place it under your tongue and allow it to dissolve. Nitroglycerin works by causing your coronary arteries to open up. These important blood vessel carry oxygen and blood to your heart, and by opening them, more blood flows in. This allows your heart to pump less, decreasing chest pain.
  
  

Aspirin

• Aspirin is a common treatment for people with cardiovascular conditions, reports the University of Michigan Health System. In addition to reducing inflammation and alleviating pain, this analgesic also thins your blood, decreasing your likelihood of having a heart attack. Taking aspirin can even save your life if taken during such an attack. However, if you have some medical conditions like liver damage, asthma or stomach ulcers, aspirin is not an appropriate treatment for you. For those able to begin an aspirin regimen, doctors suggest low dosages, such as a baby aspirin or half of a regular-strength tablet.
  
  

ACE Inhibitors

• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are a class of prescription drugs that block your body's production of a specific protein or enzyme. This enzyme causes your blood vessels to constrict, making it work harder to pump blood. Taking an ACE inhibitor removes this burden from your heart, helping to prevent heart attack and stroke, according to the Mayo Clinic. Doctors often suggest a limit on the use of some over-the-counter pain relievers like Advil and Aleve while taking an ACE inhibitor as these medications reduce the effectiveness of ACE drugs.
  
  

Cholesterol Medications

• A multitude of drugs on the market affect the amount and type of cholesterol in your body. LDL cholesterol is a substance that naturally occurs in the bloodstream, but when found in excess it serves to clog blood vessels, contributing to heart disease. HDL, or "good" cholesterol, helps to remove these potentially harmful deposits. Cholesterol medications help to lower LDL levels while raising HDL levels to help prevent heart blockages. Like antiarrythmics, your doctor may need to experiment with different cholesterol medications to find the one that works best for you.