Can I get free prescriptions?
Prescriptions are free in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. They’re also free for some people in England.
Understanding your heart medicines
Heart medicines can help you to manage your condition, symptoms and protect your long-term health.
The type of medicine you are given will depend on your condition, and you might need to take more than one.
Understanding what each medicine does can help you to feel more in control of your treatment.
This page is a guide to some of the most common medicines prescribed for heart health.
Medicines for high blood pressure
Medicines for high cholesterol
Medicines for chest pain (angina)
- Nitrates, like GTN spray and tablets
- Beta blockers
Medicines for heart failure
Medicines to stop blood clots forming
Medicines for heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias)
Other medicines
- GLP-1 medicines, like Wegovy or Mounjaro
Side effects and support
All medicines can cause side effects. Many people have no side effects, however for some people they can have a big impact on their daily life.
If you’re struggling with side effects or have questions about your medicine, speak to your doctor, nurse or a pharmacist. It's important not to stop taking your medicine without talking to a healthcare professional first.
For support you can also speak to:
- our cardiac nurses by calling our Heart Helpline
- other people going through a similar experience in our online community.
You can trust our health information
We've followed an eight-step process to make sure this content is reliable, accurate and trustworthy.
Learn how we make our health content.More information
Can I take medicines on holiday?
It’s normal to worry about taking medicine and have questions about how to prepare when you go on holiday.
Other treatment options
Learn about other treatments for heart conditions, such as ablation, pacemakers. ICDs or surgery.