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Side Effects of Heart Drugs

Prescription drugs have proved to be beneficial in the treatment of many heart conditions. However, some of these medications may cause side effects ranging from mild to serious. For some people, the side effects can outweigh the benefits and can cause permanent damage to organs in the body. Physicians will discuss these side effects with you and will continue to monitor you while you are taking these medications.

  1. Beta Blockers

    • Beta blockers such as Lopressor and Inderal can have many different side effects. These drugs are commonly used to reduce blood pressure. However, according to the American Heart Association they can cause a person to have very cold hands or feet, inability to sleep, depression and fatigue, a slow heart rate, asthma and even impotence. This class of drugs can be especially difficult on diabetics because it can worsen the circulation problems that many diabetics already have. Therefore, if you are a diabetic, your physician will keep a close eye on you (or not prescribe these medications at all).

    Diuretics

    • Diuretics are another class of medication used to treat heart patients. One commonly used diuretic is Lasix, Bumex and Diuril. According to the American Heart Association, diuretics can cause a decrease in levels of potassium and this can cause symptoms such as leg cramps, weakness and fatigue. In diabetics they can cause a spike in blood sugar levels. Therefore, physicians will carefully observe diabetic patients and may prescribe a change in diet, insulin or even drugs to manage this more effectively.

    Calcium Channel Blockers

    • Calcium channel blockers help with reducing blood pressure and slowing heart rate. They are used to treat irregular heartbeats, high blood pressure, and chest pain. Some examples of calcium channel blockers include Norvasc, Plendil, Cardizem LA, and Cardene. According to The Mayo Clinic, these medications can cause constipation, headache, rapid heartbeat, rash, drowsiness, flushing, nausea and swelling of the feet and lower legs.

    ACE Inhibitors

    • ACE (angiotension-converting enzyme) Inhibitors can include Vasotec, Zestril or Prinovil. They are used to treat high blood pressure, heart disease, coronary artery disease and heart attacks. These drugs can cause a skin rash, dry cough, loss of taste and in more severe cases they can cause kidney damage. The Mayo Clinic reports that in rare cases these ACE inhibitors can cause some areas of tissue to swell which can be life threatening.

    Alpha Blockers

    • Alpha blockers relax muscles and open up small blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily throughout the body. Some commonly used alpha blockers are Cardura, Minipress, and Flomax. According to The Mayo Clinic, alpha blockers can increase or decrease the effectiveness of other medications you may take. They can also cause blood pressure to drop and dizziness or fainting to occur. Some other side effects include headache, nausea, weakness or fatigue and even a pounding heartbeat.

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