5 Major Side Effects Of Heart Medications

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In the present world, there are millions of heart patients across the globe. Heart conditions are referred to as serious medical conditions as they are capable of claiming the lives of the patients. Cardiologists usually prescribe heart medications to these patients.

These medications allow the heart patients to live a normal life and increase their life span. But taking these drugs on a daily basis can also lead to many side effects. Some of the side effects of heart drugs may have long-term impact and can also cause damage to the body organs.

In spite of having several side effects on the human body, the heart medications are widely prescribed by the doctors due to their life saving capabilities. Therefore, if you notice that the heart medications are causing any side effect in your body system, then you should immediately consult your doctor.

After discussion, your doctor may consider changing the particular medicine and prescribing another one in its place. He/she may also decide to reduce the daily dose of your medication. Discussed below are some major side effects of the prescribed heart medications.

Side Effects of Heart Medications

The most common medications used for treating heart conditions usually include beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, digitalis, alpha blockers, aspirin, atenolol, etc. Most common side effects of these heart medications have been discussed below in brief.

Rhinitis or Runny Nose

Heart patients may experience rhinitis or runny nose after taking certain heart medications. Although, runny nose is not a severe health problem, you should inform your doctor about this side effect if it persists.

Irregular Heartbeat

Irregular heartbeats can also be triggered by the heart medications. Blood pressure often becomes low due to the intake of heart drugs, which can cause your heart to beat harder. Irregular heartbeats thus caused are termed as palpitations.

Mild Fatigue

Mild fatigue is one of the most common side effects of heart medications. Intake of heart medications may make you feel exhausted and tired. But this side effect disappears after taking sufficient rest and a short nap.

Once your body is used to these medications, you may not experience this side effect any more. But if fatigue gets severe even after taking adequate rest and sleep, then you should consult your doctor.

Lightheadedness and Dizziness

Certain heart medications extremely lower the blood pressure. As a result, you may experience lightheadedness while standing up suddenly from a sitting position.

When you stand up all of a sudden, it causes a quick but temporary drop in your blood pressure. Thus, you may experience dizziness. This particular side effect usually subsides when your body gets used to your heart medication.

Decreased Libido

A person taking heart medications can also experience decreased libido or low sexual drive as a side effect. Heart medications affect the sexual drive of the patient in two ways.

On one hand, these medications cause fatigue and on the other hand, the brain’s response to the sexual stimulus can also get affected. These two major factors usually lead to low sexual drive.

Photo Credit: Embraceyourheart.com