Updates in cardiovascular medicine drugs in the 21^st century

Cardiovascular medicine in the 21^st century has undergone a profound transformation, marked by groundbreaking research and innovative therapies that have revolutionized the management of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). This chapter explores the latest advancements across various domains, including hypertension management, heart failure treatment, angina therapy, lipid-lowering drugs, antiarrhythmics, anticoagulants, and antiplatelet agents. Evolving hypertension guidelines emphasize the significance of early pharmacotherapy and combination therapy initiation to achieve optimal blood pressure control. Novel antihypertensive agents and strategies aim to enhance treatment efficacy and improve patient outcomes, addressing the substantial burden of hypertension-related cardiovascular events. In the realm of heart failure, therapies such as sacubitril/valsartan and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors have demonstrated significant reductions in cardiovascular mortality and hospitalizations, marking a paradigm shift in heart failure management. Additionally, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) and GLP-1 antagonists present promising avenues for heart failure treatment, particularly in patients with co-existing conditions like diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Furthermore, advancements in anginal drugs, lipid-lowering agents, antiarrhythmics, anticoagulants, and antiplatelet therapies underscore the ongoing efforts to address the multifaceted challenges posed by CVDs, ultimately aiming to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.