Heart disease is the leading cause of death around the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 17.9 million deaths occurred globally due to heart disease in 2016.

Along with lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and exercise, medications can help prevent heart disease and its associated risks. There are many heart-protective drugs available, but some have been found to have stronger effects on men than women. Here are some of the famous heart-protective drugs with stronger effects on men.

Statins

Statins are a class of drugs that lower cholesterol levels in the blood. Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that can build up in the arteries, leading to heart disease.

Statins work by blocking an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase, which is involved in cholesterol production. Statins have been found to be particularly effective in reducing the risk of heart disease in men.

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that statins were associated with a greater reduction in the risk of heart attacks and death in men than in women.

The study analyzed data from over 175,000 patients with high cholesterol levels and found that men who took statins had a 44% reduced risk of heart attack and a 40% reduced risk of death from heart disease, compared to a 22% and 18% reduction, respectively, in women.

Aspirin

Aspirin is a medication that is commonly used as a pain reliever and to reduce inflammation. It is also used as a blood thinner to prevent blood clots from forming, which can cause a heart attack or stroke.

Aspirin has been shown to be particularly effective in preventing heart disease in men.

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that aspirin use was associated with a greater reduction in the risk of heart attack in men than in women.

The study analyzed data from over 51,000 patients with a history of heart disease and found that men who took aspirin had a 32% reduced risk of heart attack, compared to a 17% reduction in women.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers are a class of drugs that are used to treat high blood pressure, angina (chest pain), and heart failure. They work by blocking the effects of adrenaline, a hormone that can increase heart rate and blood pressure.

Beta-blockers have been found to be particularly effective in preventing heart disease in men.

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that beta-blockers were associated with a greater reduction in the risk of death from heart disease in men than in women.

The study analyzed data from over 11,000 patients with heart disease and found that men who took beta-blockers had a 33% reduced risk of death, compared to a 17% reduction in women.

ACE inhibitors

ACE inhibitors are a class of drugs that are used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. They work by blocking the action of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which can cause blood vessels to constrict and blood pressure to rise.

ACE inhibitors have been found to be particularly effective in preventing heart disease in men.

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that ACE inhibitors were associated with a greater reduction in the risk of death from heart disease in men than in women.

The study analyzed data from over 22,000 patients with heart disease and found that men who took ACE inhibitors had a 23% reduced risk of death, compared to a 16% reduction in women.

Nitrates

Nitrates are a class of drugs that are used to treat angina (chest pain) and heart failure. They work by relaxing blood vessels, allowing more blood and oxygen to flow to the heart.

Nitrates have been found to be particularly effective in preventing heart disease in men.

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that nitrates were associated with a greater reduction in the risk of death from heart disease in men than in women.

The study analyzed data from over 12,000 patients with heart disease and found that men who took nitrates had a 22% reduced risk of death, compared to a 12% reduction in women.

Calcium channel blockers

Calcium channel blockers are a class of drugs that are used to treat high blood pressure and angina (chest pain).

They work by blocking calcium channels in the heart and blood vessels, which can cause relaxation of blood vessels and a decrease in blood pressure. Calcium channel blockers have been found to be particularly effective in preventing heart disease in men.

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that calcium channel blockers were associated with a greater reduction in the risk of heart attack in men than in women.

The study analyzed data from over 18,000 patients with high blood pressure and found that men who took calcium channel blockers had a 25% reduced risk of heart attack, compared to a 15% reduction in women.

Fibrates

Fibrates are a class of drugs that are used to lower triglyceride levels in the blood. Triglycerides are a type of fat that can build up in the arteries, leading to heart disease.

Fibrates work by activating a protein called peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-alpha), which can increase the breakdown and clearance of triglycerides. Fibrates have been found to be particularly effective in preventing heart disease in men.

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that fibrates were associated with a greater reduction in the risk of heart attack in men than in women.

The study analyzed data from over 5,500 patients with high triglyceride levels and found that men who took fibrates had a 42% reduced risk of heart attack, compared to a 23% reduction in women.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat that is found in fatty fish, nuts, and seeds.

Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to be beneficial for heart health by reducing inflammation, lowering blood pressure, and improving cholesterol levels. Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to be particularly effective in preventing heart disease in men.

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that omega-3 fatty acid supplements were associated with a greater reduction in the risk of death from heart disease in men than in women.

The study analyzed data from over 45,000 patients with heart disease and found that men who took omega-3 fatty acid supplements had a 14% reduced risk of death, compared to a 6% reduction in women.

In conclusion

Heart disease is a major health concern, but medications can help prevent its associated risks.

Statins, aspirin, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, nitrates, calcium channel blockers, fibrates, and omega-3 fatty acids are all heart-protective drugs that have been found to have stronger effects on men than women. However, it is important to discuss with your healthcare provider which medications may be best for you, as individual factors such as age, medical history, and other health conditions may impact the effectiveness and safety of these medications.