There is now a wide range of medicines available to treat angina, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, heart failure and other heart and blood vessel conditions, and reduce the risk of further heart problems in people with cardiovascular disease.

These medicines need to be taken regularly as prescribed to be effective, and usually need to be taken long term. You may need to take more than one type of medicine.

Some medicines may not be suitable for all people, and may cause side effects. However, you may not have any side effects. It is important to talk to your doctor about any side effects you are worried about. Side effects can usually be kept to a minimum by talking with your healthcare team who can change your medicines and their doses.

For more information about medicines for cardiovascular diseases and conditions, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.  Alternatively visit the NPS Medicine website.

Or call the NPS Medicines Line on 1300 MEDICINE.

Find a pharmacy

If you need to find a pharmacy anywhere in Australia, go to the Pharmacy Guild of Australia's Find a Pharmacy service.

Pharmacy services

Learn more about community pharmacies.

Information about the medicines industry

Have you ever wondered how medicines are discovered, or how Australian scientists have contributed to worldwide treatments and disease prevention?

Have you ever considered who determines which medicines will be available in Australia, or how the Government funds the majority of prescription medicines?

To answer these questions and trace the steps of medicine, from discovery through to the pharmacy, and then to you or a family member visit the Australian Medicines Industry website.

Other support and resources

To find out what medication support programs are available visit www.freepatientsupport.com. The service is free and will connect you with free support programs.