Heart failure means that your heart doesn’t pump blood as well as it should. Some drugs and natural supplements cause or worsen heart failure, they are toxic to your heart.
1. Prescription Drugs:
Heart failure patients take an average of 7 prescription medicines a day, which increases the likelihood of drug interactions, putting your heart at risk.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs):
Prescription NSAIDs are pain relivers, such as Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, and Indomethacin. NSAIDs can cause you to retain water and salt and make it harder for your blood to flow.
Diabetes medications:
Metformin is removed from your body through your kidneys. It isn’t a good choice if your kidneys don’t work well. Drugs for treating Type 2 diabetes (thiazolidinediones) can cause fluid retention and weight gain in people with heart failure.
2. Blood pressure medicine:
Calcium channel blockers can worsen fluid retention (oedema) and some drugs change how your body releases hormones, which can affect your heart.
Other types of drugs that can bring on heart failure include antifungal medications, cancer medications, stimulants, antidepressants, and tumour inhibitors.
3. Over-the-Counter Drugs
If you have heart failure, limit or avoid medications you take for minor things like a headache or stuffy nose. Over the counter NSAIDs (e.g. Ibuprofen) can make heart failure worse. Some have sodium, which worsens heart failure. Nasal decongestants often contain drugs (vasoconstrictors) that narrow your blood vessels.
4. Natural Supplements
Some natural and vitamin supplements can cause heart risks. Vitamins occur naturally in food in low doses, but as pills they can be harmful e.g. taking more than 400 IU of vitamin E daily can increase your risk of developing heart failure.
Supplements can interact with other drugs. Avoid products that contain ephedrine.
Work With Your Doctor: Give your doctor a list of each drug and supplement you take, the dose, and how often you take it. NEVER stop taking a medication without consulting your doctor.
Source: WebMD: Medically reviewed by: James Beckerman MD, FACC, September 04, 2024.
