The Effect of Antioxidants and Cardiovascular Drugs in the Treatment of Cardiac Diseases

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Reactive oxygen species mediate oxidative stress, is one of the major causes of the athero-thrombotic process involved in the etiology of peripheral arterial disease, ischemic strokes, and heart attack. Angiotensin-1 receptor blockers, betablockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, diuretics, calcium channel blockers are traditional cardio-protective drugs. But the problem associated with these medications is, a person diagnosed with high blood pressure in younger age, has to take these drugs for lifelong, which may lead to develop harmful drug-induced diseases on long-term use like Alzheimer’s disease, Raynaud’s phenomenon, decreased levels of plasma catecholamines, etc. Materials and Methods: Among all anti-hypertensive agents, angiotensin-1 receptor blockers are safer as they have minimal long-term health hazards. Many pieces of the literature suggest that, intake of foods rich in anti-oxidant reduces the chance of cardiovascular disease, as they consume free radicals formed by various endogenous systems, pathological states or exposure to different physiochemical conditions, and improper oxidation of lipids. We can focus on synergistic benefit of both anti-hypertensive drug and antioxidants. Conclusion: Hence, we can assume that, intake of antioxidant as an active pharmaceutical ingredient may positively benefit in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Co-administration of existing cardiovascular drug and a suitable antioxidant(s) may produce a better result. Keywords: Cardiovascular diseases, Oxidative stress, Reactive oxygen species, Antioxidants, AT1 receptor blocker.