Heart troubles brought on by drug use: Recognizable signs, remedies, and precautions
In the realm of health and wellness, it's crucial to be aware of the potential risks that certain medications can pose to our hearts. Heart failure, a condition where the heart is not pumping enough blood throughout the body, can be exacerbated or even caused by certain drugs. Here's what you need to know about drug-induced heart failure.
Firstly, it's important to note that not all drugs are safe for people with heart failure. Calcium channel blockers, with the exception of vaso-selective type, are unsafe for those with heart failure. Similarly, some anesthetics, such as intravenous anesthetics like ketamine, may damage the heart.
To prevent drug-induced heart failure, it's advisable to avoid illegal drugs, especially stimulants, and be cautious with prescription and over-the-counter medications. Certain diabetes medications, such as sulfonylureas like Glipizide, have been linked to higher rates of heart failure. Neurological drugs, like pregabalin, also pose a significant risk, particularly in patients with a history of cardiovascular disease, females, and White patients.
Substances of abuse, including alcohol, cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, tobacco, marijuana, and MDMA, can damage the heart through multiple mechanisms, raising the risk of heart failure.
Medications that raise blood pressure, such as NSAIDs, certain antidepressants, steroids, decongestants, and birth control pills, can contribute to chronic hypertension, a major risk factor for heart failure. Even some eye medications, like topical beta-blockers at high doses, increase the risk of heart damage.
Symptoms of heart failure from drugs can include breathlessness, chronic cough, fluid retention, extreme fatigue, and feeling unwell during daily activities. The early symptoms can be remembered using the acronym FACES: Fatigue, Activities limited, Chest congestion, Edema (ankle swelling), and Shortness of breath.
Treatment for drug-induced heart failure begins with removing the drug, if possible, and can include a combination of medications such as beta-blockers and angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitors, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, or angiotensin II receptor blockers.
In some cases, it may not be possible to stop taking certain medications, such as in a cancer treatment setting. In these instances, medical professionals will work with a patient to alter their treatment and medications to regimens that improve cardiac function while reducing adverse risks.
It's essential for people at risk of heart failure to talk with their doctor about any and all medications they take and the risks and benefits of taking various drugs. A heart-healthy lifestyle, including maintaining a moderate weight, avoiding smoking, reducing consumption of trans fats, eating a balanced diet, and becoming more physically active, may help prevent heart disease.
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