All patients with mechanical valves, patients in artial fibrillation, few patients after CABG who had an endarterectomy will be on this drug. For details refer to Anticoagulation.



 Aspirin/Clopidogrel :

          All patients after CABG should be on one of these two drugs or both. These are antiplatelet drugs which keep the blood thin. This has to be taken on a long term basis.

           Usual Dose - Asprin - 150 mg   }
                              Clopidogrel 75 mg } Once a day


 ß-Blocker (Eg. Metoprolol, Atenolol) :


          Most of the paitents after CABG will be on a ß-Blocker. They reduce the heart rate, keeps blood pressure under control and has a cardioprotective effect.

 ACE Inhibitor(Eg. Enalapril, Ramipril) :

          Majority of post CABG patients will be on an ACE inhibitor. These decrease the after load thereby reducing the work of heart. Also improves heart function by remodeling effect, on the left ventricle.

Cholesterol lowering agents (Simvostatin, Atorvastatin) :

          All patients leaving hospital after CABG should be on a statin. Liver enzymes need monitoring every 3 months. Current recommendation is to keep cholesterol<100 mg/dl, in patient with CAD


 Diabetic Medication :

          Diabetic patients are usually put back on the pre-operative drugs for sugar control. As the diabetic status can be erratic post surgery, patients are advised to check with their Physician/diabetologist and get the dosage adjusted.

Digoxin :

          Given for patients in artial fibrillation to reduce heart rate. Usually taken for 5 days a week. Majority of patients after valve replacement will be on this drug.

 Lasix :

          Lasix is diuretic. Patients after valve replacement or patients with poor LV function are sent home on a small dose of Lasix for a short time. Patients on Lasix 40 mg/day will also receive a Potassium supplement (Kcl).

Other medications :

Antibiotics	:	Some patient with respiratory infection or wound problems are sent home on a short course of oral antibiotic.
Pain Killer	:	A short course of analgesics, anti inflammatory drugs are usually prescribed.
Vitamin Supplement	:	Patients are advised to take some vitamin supplement for atleast a month after surgery.