Which group of medications is often used for coronary heart disease prevention?

The use of aspirin, statins, and bile acid sequestrants for the prevention of coronary heart disease is well-supported by research and clinical guidelines.

Aspirin is often recommended for individuals at high risk of heart disease due to its antiplatelet properties, which help prevent blood clots that can lead to heart attacks. Statins are powerful cholesterol-lowering medications that can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels, thereby reducing the accumulation of plaques in the arteries. Bile acid sequestrants also lower cholesterol levels by binding to bile acids in the intestines, preventing their reabsorption and prompting the liver to use circulating cholesterol to produce more bile acids. This leads to lower cholesterol levels in the bloodstream, further contributing to heart disease prevention.

In contrast, the other groups of medications mentioned do not play a role in coronary heart disease prevention. Antacids and laxatives are primarily used for digestive issues, vitamins and minerals supplement health but do not specifically target heart disease, and antihistamines and corticosteroids are focused on allergic reactions and inflammation, respectively.