A patient post-MI on a beta blocker and statin now needs which medication?

The appropriate choice in this scenario is an ACE inhibitor. Following a myocardial infarction (MI), one of the critical components of post-MI management is to reduce the risk of future cardiac events and improve long-term outcomes. ACE inhibitors are recommended as they help to decrease morbidity and mortality in patients following an MI, particularly in those with left ventricular dysfunction or heart failure.

ACE inhibitors work by preventing the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, leading to vasodilation, reduced blood pressure, and decreased workload on the heart. Additionally, they play a role in preventing remodeling of the heart tissue after an MI. By using an ACE inhibitor in conjunction with beta blockers and statins, the therapeutic approach targets multiple pathways to improve cardiac function and minimize complications.

Other options like beta agonists and calcium channel blockers do not serve the primary goals of post-MI management in the same manner, and while warfarin is an anticoagulant, it is typically indicated in specific situations such as atrial fibrillation or patients with mechanical heart valves, rather than as a routine medication in the immediate post-MI setting.