There are many types and combinations of medications available to treat cardiovascular disease. Medications are used to: 

• Reduce someone’s risk of developing heart disease – for example, statins can help lower cholesterol and ACE inhibitors work to manage high blood pressure by widening or relaxing blood vessels
• Treat existing heart problems and manage symptoms – heart blockages, post-heart attack, heart valve disease, heart failure 

If you already have heart disease, you may need multiple medications. That’s because each is used to manage different symptoms or reduce the risk of additional health problems or death.

For instance, antiplatelet or aspirin therapy may prevent a stent from closing or more blood clots from forming. You may also be taking medications for other health conditions; for example, diabetes or depression.