Heart Beat: Softening the blow

Heart Beat

Softening the blow

Sometimes the first sign of cardiovascular disease is a heart attack or stroke from out of the blue. Other times the first sign — the onset of angina, a TIA, or a minor stroke — is gentler, more like a wake-up call than a potentially deadly event. Medications that improve artery flexibility, prevent clots, act as antioxidants, and ease the heart's workload may explain why some people start out with one rather than the other.

Two studies compared people whose first inkling of cardiovascular disease was a major problem with those whose disease had a less severe onset. One big difference was that those who had been taking some combination of aspirin, an ACE inhibitor, a statin, and a beta blocker were more likely to have started out with angina or a milder stroke. Those not taking artery-protecting medications were more likely to have started their heart disease experience with a heart attack or more severe stroke.

To continue reading this article, you must log in.

Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.

  • Research health conditions
  • Check your symptoms
  • Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
  • Find the best treatments and procedures for you
  • Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
Learn more about the many benefits and features of joining Harvard Health Online »

I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.

Sign Me Up

Already a member? Login ».

Disclaimer:

As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.

No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

Free Healthbeat Signup

Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!

Sign Up
Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Thanks for visiting. Don't miss your FREE gift.

The Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness, is yours absolutely FREE when you sign up to receive Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School

Sign up to get tips for living a healthy lifestyle, with ways to fight inflammation and improve cognitive health, plus the latest advances in preventative medicine, diet and exercise, pain relief, blood pressure and cholesterol management, and more.

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School

Get helpful tips and guidance for everything from fighting inflammation to finding the best diets for weight loss...from exercises to build a stronger core to advice on treating cataracts. PLUS, the latest news on medical advances and breakthroughs from Harvard Medical School experts.

BONUS! Sign up now and
get a FREE copy of the
Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School.

Plus, get a FREE copy of the Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness.