Pharmacotherapy of ischemic heart disease

The pharmacotherapy of ischemic heart disease has evolved at a rapid pace during the past several decades. Drug therapy is prescribed for ischemic heart disease to either increase myocardial oxygen supply, decrease myocardial oxygen demand, or both. Although the types and number of drugs to treat ischemic heart disease are increasing and will continue to do so, there are still several major categories of pharmacologic agents that are essential in managing ischemic heart disease. The major drug categories covered are antiplatelet agents, anticoagulants, nitrates, beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists (beta-blockers), calcium channel antagonists, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and thrombolytic agents. Current information and recommendations are presented for safe and effective use of these agents.