There are few areas of medicine moving faster right now than that heart health. The heart is our most important organ. It is the one where optimal performance is required at all times, without which life would not be able to continue.
The world’s greatest heart doctors and scientists know this, which is why they are working around the clock to make the 700,000 annual heart disease deaths in America a thing of the past. One way they are doing this is through the development of game-changing heart medications.
Some of the latest advances in medical science have brought us medications that keep the heart healthy for longer, and ensure good function, even in suboptimal circumstances.
Read on to find out more about the latest advances in heart medications and heart health.
ARNi
High blood pressure is a leading cause of cardiovascular death. Angiotensin Receptor-Neprilysin Inhibitor (ARNi) aims to address this root cause.
This drug uses two different anti-hypertensive drugs – sacubitril and valsartan – in combination to reduce blood pressure. Both of these drugs work in tandem to reduce any strain on a failing heart.
They have consistently been proven to improve outcomes in heart failure patients. Recipients often high better chances of survival and a higher quality of life.
This life-changing innovation is now available across the US, prescription only. You can click here for ARNi medication facts and restrictions to see if it’s the right fit for you.
“Polypill” Heart Medications
This is sort of a catch-all term that describes several different recent advances in medication to prevent heart failure. It is the practice of using a combination of drugs, all merged into a single pill.
Each component will serve a different purpose in combatting cardiovascular problems, be it circulation problems, high blood pressure, or by blocking receptors.
A recent mass trial showed that these so-called “polypills” were hugely effective at reducing recurring problems after a heart attack or similar episode.
They are especially effective in those over the age of 65. We expect polypills to become a much more widespread medication in the years and decades to come.
SGLT2 Drugs
SGLT2 drugs were initially developed to lower glucose levels in the body. Their main target audience was patients suffering from kidney, rather than heart health issues.
However, that is no longer the case. SGLT2 drugs have recently been found to be hugely helpful to those whose hearts do not pump blood effectively. Specifically, patients with underperforming left ventricles have seen performance improve massively after a course of SGLT2 drugs.
Left ventricle problems are a leading cause of death when heart problems do occur. Therefore, this one medicine has the potential to radically transform countless lives.
Studies have shown that patients who suffered heart failure as a result of the left ventricle giving out were much more likely to enjoy long-term survival rates in the following years than those who did not receive SGLT2 drugs. These drugs may also help other types of heart problems. Only time will tell.
ARB-Beta Blocker Combo
Beta-blockers have long been used to lower blood pressure. As such, we can consider beta blockers to be an established form of heart medication.
However, new uses are emerging, especially when beta-blockers are taken in combination with other heart medications. Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are one key example of this.
Specifically, they are being used with beta-blockers to dramatically improve outcomes for Marfan Syndrome patients. This condition presents a high risk of near-term death for at least 10% of diagnoses.
This makes the quest for a cure a particularly pressing one. While we don’t have a cure, ARB-BB combinations are now being used to slow the expansion of the aorta in Marfan Syndrome sufferers.
Ivabradine
One of the cruelties of heart failure is that survivors often face greatly reduced life expectancy after it happens once.
This is what Ivabradine is designed to comb at. It is now being rolled out to adults who have suffered some form of heart failure recently, to decrease the risk of their condition worsening and to keep them out of hospital.
The drug is increasingly being used to treat young children who suffer from a specific type of heart failure called cardiomyopathy.
Ivabradine essentially slows down the heart rate so that every single beat is able to pump more blood through the body than previously. In a nutshell, this drug makes weak hearts strong again.
Heartmate 3
Although not a medication per se, the Heartmate series of heart-assistant devices has been a game-changer for countless heart failure patients. Now, the latest Heartmate 3 offers the most promise yet.
The Heartmate 3 is a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). It is designed to pump blood around the body and when the heart is unable to do this on its own. It uses a battery-powered mini-device to enable continuous blood flow and reduce the risk of clotting – another common risk in heart failure survivors.
It is a simple implant that can have a dramatic positive impact on patients of all stripes.
Mitraclip
This is another medical device that really does deserve some special attention. It is used to specifically treat a heart condition called Mitral Regurgitation. This is when the “flaps” of the mitral valve fail to close properly.
As a result, blood can flow backward back to the heart, causing a range of dangerous complications. A Mitraclip is a new form of “heart catheter”, which can be connected to the heart via a blood vessel all the way down in the groin.
From here, it repairs the mitral valve and keeps it properly closed when it needs to be. For high-risk patients, this can and has already been a game-changer.
Your Health, In Your Hands
Heart disease is a terrifying prospect for anyone. It is also one that millions of us will experience in our lifetimes.
However, thanks to some of these amazing advances in heart medications, heart disease is no longer the death sentence it once was. By knowing the innovations and medications designed to help you, you can take your health back into your own hands.
Make sure to consult our expertly-curated health pages to keep up to date on the new treatments that are constantly coming to the fore.
