|  | Conditions Treatments | Cardiovascular Disease

Side Effects of Coronary Artery Disease Treatments

CHD, or coronary heart disease, is caused by your small blood vessels becoming narrowed, diminishing the supply of oxygen and blood to your heart. Treatment for CHD may vary in accordance with your symptoms, the severity of your condition and the underlying conditions (such as high blood pressure or diabetes). Common treatments include ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, nitrates and diuretics, and each has a risk of side effects.

  1. Effects of ACE Inhibitors

    • ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors are designed to both protect your heart and lower your blood pressure by relaxing your blood vessels. Examples of these medications include benazepril, fosinopril, enalapril, captopril and lisinopril.

      According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common side effect associated with ACE inhibitors is a dry cough. Additional, but rare, side effects include hyperkalemia (increased levels of potassium in your blood), dizziness, altered taste, rash, lightheadness and diminished appetite. If you smoke, you may also experience swelling of your tissues (a condition called angioedema) which may be life-threatening if it occurs in your throat.

    Effects of Beta-Blockers

    • Beta-blockers (or beta-adrenergic blocking agents) reduce your blood pressure and are useful in lowering your heart's oxygen use along with your blood pressure and heart rate. Examples include carvedilol, acebutolol, bisoprolol, atenolol and propranolol.

      According to the Mayo Clinic, common side effects include cold hands, weakness, fatigue and dizziness; many patients do not experience any side effects. Additional side effects include diminished libido, shortness of breath, insomnia and depression. Asthma patients should not use beta blockers since the medication can trigger severe asthmatic attacks.

    Effects of Calcium Channel Blockers

    • Calcium channel blockers (or calcium antagonists) can help to relax your arteries, thus lowering your blood pressure and reducing the strain on your heart. Examples include amlodipine, verapamil, nicardipine, diltiazem and felodipine.

      Calcium channel blockers may cause side effects such as constipation, edema (swelling) of your legs and feet, flushing, headache, rash, tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), rash, nausea and drowsiness.

    Effects of Nitroglycerin

    • Nitroglycerin is a nitrate medication that can be used as a patch, tablet or spray. The medication works to relax your blood vessels to help increase the flow of oxygen and blood to your heart.

      According to the Mayo Clinic, possible side effects include swelling of your legs, feet, face or arms; burning, crawling or tingling sensations; dizziness; breathing problems; flushing; headache; weight gain; increased perspiration and wheezing.

    Effects of Diuretics

    • Diuretic medications (or "water pills") can help to lower blood pressure by eliminating excess sodium and water from your body, forcing your kidneys to put increased sodium levels into your urine and removing water from your blood. Examples include chlorothiazide, metolazone, furosemide, bumetanide, amiloride and eplerenone.

      According to the Mayo Clinic, diuretics are generally considered to be safe, and the most commonly reported side effect is an increase in urination. Other side effects may include hyponatremia (low sodium levels in your blood), rash, increased cholesterol, joint problems, increase in blood sugar, impotence, gynecomastia (male breast enlargement) and menstrual abnormalities.

Cardiovascular Disease - Related Articles