- A partial list of prescription medications with cardiac side effects
- A note about supplements that can have unintended side effects
- A warning against the heart risks of illicit drugs
Every medication or substance we take comes with possible side effects and potential adverse reactions. This includes:
- Prescribed medications
- Over-the-counter medications
- Illicit use of pharmaceuticals
- Recreational substances
- Illegal drugs
Some of those adverse reactions can affect your heart.
The list below outlines categories of medications that can have an effect on cardiovascular health. It is not an all-inclusive list, however. To keep your heart out of harm’s way, talk to your primary care physician or cardiologist about every drug you take—whether prescribed, over the counter or illicit/illegal.
Prescription Medications
If you are prescribed any of the medications listed below, it is important to follow up with your physician regularly so that they can monitor your health and make adjustments as needed.
Your pharmacist is another resource; they can not only tell you about side effects, but also about interactions the new prescription may have with other medications or supplements you already take.
Amphetamines are often prescribed to treat Parkinson's disease, ADHD and other conditions. They stimulate the central nervous system and increase both heart rate and blood pressure.
Many drugs used in cancer treatment can affect your heart. In particular, high doses or long-term use of anthracyclines can cause cardiomyopathy, which can then lead to heart failure.
Antipsychotic drugs, often used to treat schizophrenia, can increase the risk of abnormal heart rhythms, stroke and cardiac arrest.
Certain medications prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes can increase your risk of heart attack and heart failure. If your physician prescribes rosiglitazone, for example, they will monitor your heart health closely.
Over-the-Counter Medications
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen are used to reduce fever, pain and swelling. These are available both by prescription and over the counter.
Potential heart-related effects of NSAIDs—especially for those already at higher risk for cardiovascular disease—include:
- High blood pressure
- Heart attack
- Worsening of heart failure
- Stroke
Illicit and Illegal Drugs
The side effects of illicit and illegal drugs can be even more damaging—and unpredictable—than of prescribed medications, which are highly regulated. It is important to tell your physician about any recreational substances you use, from a glass of wine after work, to tobacco, marijuana and street drugs.
The American Heart Association details the potential for acute and long-term cardiovascular risk of amphetamines, ecstasy (also called MDMA or Molly) and cocaine, which the AHA calls “the perfect heart attack drug.”
Illicit methamphetamines cause stimulation of the central nervous system, and their effect on heart rate and blood pressure can result in cardiomyopathy and heart failure.
The club drug ketamine increases blood pressure, suppresses respiration and can be deadly.
Cigarette smoke contains nicotine. It increases your risk of atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, stroke and heart attack and can permanently damage your lungs and other organs.
Anabolic steroids increase muscle size and strength, but are associated with atherosclerosis, heart failure and testicular failure.
Talk to Your Physician
Another consideration is how prescription medications interact; the effectiveness and side effects of any medication can be affected by the foods you eat and other substances you consume.
The best thing you can do to protect your heart from unintended side effects is to talk to your physician and pharmacist before taking any new prescription or nonprescription drug.
