Khaberni - Dr. Dmitry Yaranov, one of the renowned cardiologists in the United States, urges everyone to carefully consider before taking prescribed medications to protect their heart health.
Through years of his clinical experience and his work on social media, Dr. Yaranov has personally witnessed how some commonly used medications in various treatments can secretly damage the heart over time.
According to the Times of India, Dr. Yaranov relies on evidence about 5 categories of drugs that require special care if one cares about the health of the heart and blood vessels, as follows:
1. Anti-inflammatories
People who already suffer from high blood pressure or heart problems are more at risk, but anyone using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs regularly should take caution and consult their doctor.
2. Chemotherapy drugs
Although cancer treatments save countless lives, some chemotherapy drugs, such as doxorubicin and trastuzumab, can have negative effects on the heart.
Dr. Yaranov explained that these drugs weaken the heart muscle over time, reducing its efficiency in pumping blood.
He also pointed out that patients taking these treatments often undergo meticulous monitoring in anticipation of any signs of heart function impairment.
3. Stimulants
Stimulant medications, most commonly those prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, contain amphetamines to enhance alertness and focus.
But Dr. Yaranov said they can also accelerate the heart rate and raise blood pressure.
The effect can be extremely dangerous if the person has a heart condition, as these drugs increase the risk of irregular heartbeats and even heart attacks.
Furthermore, misuse or unsupervised use of stimulants can lead to serious side effects, such as increased heart rate, high blood pressure, anxiety, and addiction.
4. Diabetes medications
Diabetes treatment requires taking medication for life.
Dr. Yaranov added that some diabetes medications from older generations, such as rosiglitazone, can contribute to an increased risk of heart failure.
While these drugs indeed help lower blood sugar levels, their negative impact on the heart has led many experts to recommend newer options that improve the health of the heart and blood vessels.
While patients are advised not to stop taking or change their diabetes medications on their own, it is advisable to consult a doctor to see if the prescription being taken is the best option for heart health.
5. Decongestants
Colds and allergies are bothersome, so many people turn to over-the-counter treatments containing decongestants such as pseudoephedrine to relieve symptoms.
These drugs work by constricting blood vessels to reduce congestion, but they can also cause a sharp increase in blood pressure and disturbances in heart rhythm.
Dr. Yaranov strongly advised those who have previously been diagnosed with high blood pressure or any type of heart disease to either avoid these medications or use them only after discussing the matter with their treating physician.
He added that even symptoms that seem mild can be just the tip of the iceberg if heart function is at risk.
