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Patient handout · Cardiovascular

Heart Medicines: Your Daily Safety Guide

Beta blockers and ACE inhibitors lower blood pressure and protect your heart with heart failure or after a heart attack. Take them every day, even when you feel well.

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Keep a daily log

  • Check your blood pressure and pulse as your care team advises.
  • Write them down. Bring your log to every visit.
  • Your pulse limit: ____________.

Beta blockers (names end in "-lol")

  • If your pulse is under 60 or you feel dizzy, call your provider before your dose.
  • Never stop suddenly. Stopping fast raises the risk of chest pain, very high blood pressure, or a heart attack.
  • Feeling tired is common at first. Tell your provider if it lasts.
  • If you have diabetes: this medicine hides a fast heartbeat and shakiness from low blood sugar. Check your sugar when you feel unwell.

ACE inhibitors (names end in "-pril")

  • Stand up slowly, mainly after the first doses.
  • Tell your provider about a dry cough that will not go away. A different medicine helps.
  • Do not use potassium pills or salt substitutes unless your provider says so.
  • Keep your blood tests for potassium and kidney function.
  • Do not take it during pregnancy. Call right away if you think you are pregnant.

Ask before other medicines

  • Ask before taking ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve).
  • Never run out. Refill early.

Call your provider today if you have

  • A pulse under 60 or dizziness when you stand
  • A dry cough that will not go away
  • Vomiting, diarrhea, or possible pregnancy
  • Weight gain, new swelling, or wheezing

Call 911 or your local emergency number if you have

  • Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or breathing
  • Chest pain or fainting

This handout supports, not replaces, advice from your own nurse or doctor.

For nurses and nursing students: the teaching guide behind this handout →