Common Heart Medications and Their Side Effects

Medications are increasingly used to treat heart conditions. But many of these medicines have potentially dangerous side effects. Some of the most common heart-prescribed medications include angioplasty drugs (such as clopidogrel or aspirin), beta-blockers (such as atenolol or propranolol), and ACE inhibitors (such as enalapril or ramipril). Here we enlist some common managing medications with their side effects during heart procedures.

Common Heart Medications and Their Side Effects

ACE inhibitors

It works by blocking the formation of angiotensin II, a chemical that constricts blood vessels and can lead to high blood pressure. The main benefit of ace inhibitors is that they can help reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack. They can also be used as a preventive measure to help reduce the risk of future heart problems.

Side effects – Ace inhibitors can have some side effects, such as dizziness, blurred vision, headache, and nausea. They can also cause low potassium levels in the body, which can be dangerous if not treated.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers are another common type of heart medication that blocks the action of adrenaline and other hormones in the blood.

Side-effects – Beta-blockers can also cause Side Effects like shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue.

Cardiac glycosides

Cardiac glycosides are heart medication that works by widening the blood vessels. They are commonly used to treat hypertension and other heart issues.

Side-effects – There are a few potential side effects of cardiac glycosides, which are medications used to treat heart conditions. Some of the most common side effects of these medications include:

- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Heartburn
- Constipation
- Muscle pain or weakness

If you experience these side effects while taking a cardiac glycoside, please speak to your doctor. You may need to adjust your dosage or switch to a different medication.

Anticoagulants

Anticoagulation therapy, aka blood thinners, is used to help prevent or slow the formation of clots in your arteries. The most common include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), and rivaroxaban (Xarelto).

Side-effects – Some common side effects include: Bleeding, Brown-colored urine, Vomiting, Black or red-coloured bowel movement, Dizziness, Inflammation, and pain.

ARBs, or angiotensin receptor blockers

It opens up blood vessels to improve circulation and lower blood pressure. They also ease the strain on your heart and decrease your risk of heart attack or stroke.

Side-effects – These include diarrhoea, headache, swelling, dizziness, back pain, and runny nose.

Calcium channel blockers

Calcium channel blockers, like verapamil (Verelan) and diltiazem (Cardizem), are also good choices for people with high blood pressure or angina. Calcium channel blockers are a type of medication used to treat heart conditions. These medications work by blocking the action of calcium in the heart. However, there may be some side effects associated with these medications.

Side effects – One common side effect of calcium channel blockers is difficulty breathing. This can occur due to a decrease in lung function or due to an increase in airway resistance. In some cases, this difficulty breathing can be severe and require treatment options for heart.

Other side effects of calcium channel blockers can include headaches, fatigue, and increased blood pressure. You must speak with your doctor if you experience any side effects while taking these medications.

Diuretics

They are a group of medications that help you control your high blood pressure and water retention. They flush water and sodium from your body, lowering your blood pressure and helping you feel better. They also help you lose weight if you need to. The main benefit of diuretics is that they help reduce fluid retention and lower blood pressure, which can help improve overall health. Diuretics also help reduce inflammation, which helps improve overall health.

Side-effects – Have you or a loved one been prescribed diuretics? If so, it is important to know its side effects, if any. There are a few potential side effects of diuretics. The most common side effect is fluid retention, which can lead to weight gain and oedema (swelling). Other potential side effects of diuretics include: – Headache, Nausea, Vomiting, Dizziness, Increased thirst, Dry mouth, Abdominal discomfort, Skin rashes, Fluid retention, Muscle pain, Depression, and Anxiety.

Antiplatelet therapy

It works by decreasing platelets in the blood, which can prevent the formation of clots that can lead to heart attack or stroke. Several types of antiplatelet therapy exist, including aspirin, clopidogrel, prasugrel, ticagrelor, and other newer agents.

Side effects – Antiplatelet therapy’s most common side effects include headache, upper abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting. Other possible side effects include bleeding problems, skin rashes, and allergic reactions.

When to Consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert cardiology doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

Conclusion

Heart medications can have both positive and negative effects on your health. It is important to weigh the benefits of each medication against its side effects of heart medications before taking it. Also, discussing any possible adverse reactions with your doctor is crucial.

FAQs About Heart Medications And Their Side Effects

Q. What are the most common heart medications?
A. Beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor antagonists, and calcium channel blockers are effective medications for treating heart diseases.

Q. What are the potential side effects of heart medications?
A. The side effects of these drugs can be mild or serious(depending on the dosage). They can include headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. If this happens, you must consult your doctor or go to the hospital immediately.

Q. How can I manage my medications during heart procedures?
A. Heart procedures can be a stressful experience for patients. With the right management strategies, patients can feel confident in their care during these life-changing events. Taking your medications as scheduled is important when you have a heart procedure.

Q. Are there any natural alternatives to heart medications?
A. There are a few natural alternatives to medications used to treat heart diseases, such as herbs and supplements for healthy heart.

Q. What should I do if I experience side effects from my heart medications?
A. First, talk to your doctor about the possible side effects and how they might be related. Sometimes it is possible to adjust the dosage or switch medications to help alleviate the side effects.

References

- https://www.floyd.org/medical-services/heart-care/Pages/heart-failure-medications.aspx
- https://www.rxlist.com/coronary_heart_disease_medications/drugs-condition.htm
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/treatment-of-a-heart-attack/cardiac-medications

Common Heart Medications and Their Side Effects: Managing Medications During Heart Procedures

Overview