Please note that If you are taking medication for a condition, or using illegal drugs or other substances, it is highly relevant to know about potential side effects and adverse reactions.
One of your best sources of information is a doctor or medic who has a thorough knowledge of your health history.
Provided below are examples of medications and illegal drugs that may cause heart problems.
1. Prescription Medications:
Anthracyclines
Examples of medications in this class include:
Doxorubicin
Daunorubicin
Epirubicin
Idarubicin
Anthracyclines are prescribed to treat cancer. If used for a long time or in high doses, anthracyclines may cause damage to the heart muscle, including cardiomyopathy, a condition that causes abnormal growth of muscle fibers.
In fact this can lead progressive weakening of the heart muscle, leading to heart failure.
If you are taking anthracyclines, your doctor will carefully control the dose and monitor your heart function.
2. Antipsychotic Drugs
Antipsychotic drugs are typically used to treat certain mental disorders, such as schizophrenia.
Examples of medications in this class include:
Clozapine
Chlorpromazine
Fluphenazine
Haloperidol
Risperidone
Some antipsychotic drugs may increase the risk of cardiovascular problems like abnormal heart rhythms, cardiac arrest, or stroke.
Before you use these medications, be sure to talk to your doctor about their risks and benefits.
3. Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used to reduce fever and pain.
They can also be used to decrease pain and swelling associated with inflammation.
NSAIDs are available by prescription from your doctor and some are available over-the-counter.
A type of NSAID, called COX-2 inhibitors, carry the same risks as other NSAIDs.
Possible heart-related side effects from NSAID use include:
Heart attack
Stroke
Increased blood pressure
You may be at a greater risk for adverse effects from NSAIDs if you:
Have been taking the medication for a long period of time
Already have risk factors for cardiovascular disease
If you have any concerns about taking medications for pain or fever, talk to your doctor.
4. Drugs for Type 2 Diabetes:
There are many different types of drugs that are used to treat type 2 diabetes. In general, thiazolidinediones are associated with an increased risk of heart attack and heart failure.
One drug in particular is rosiglitazone. Rosiglitazone may be taken alone or in combination with other medications.
5. Recreational and Street Drugs
Amphetamines and Amphetamine-like Substances
Amphetamines (also called speed or uppers when used illegally) are stimulants that can decrease the appetite and need for sleep.
They are most commonly used to treat attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Sudden death, stroke, and heart attacks have been reported in people abusing this type of medication.
Examples of prescription drugs using amphetamines include dextroamphetamine, dextroamphetamine combined with amphetamine, or methyphenidate. Many amphetamines are also illegally manufactured.
6.Anabolic Steroids:
Anabolic steroids are synthetic derivatives of the male hormone testosterone that are taken to build muscle and enhance athletic performance.
Steroids like testosterone and methyltestosterone may be prescribed if you have certain conditions, like hypogonadism or breast cancer.
When abused, steroids lead to many serious adverse effects, including
Enlargement of the heart, a precursor to heart failure
Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), a precursor to coronary artery disease
High cholesterol
High blood pressure
Heart attack
Stroke
Death
Cocaine and Crack
Cocaine and crack (rock crystal form) are illegal drugs that provide immediate euphoric effects.
These powerfully addictive drugs can constrict the heart’s blood vessels, making the heart work harder and faster to pump blood.
On a much serious note, Cocaine and crack can cause heart rhythm problems, heart attack, and stroke.
7. Club Drugs:
Club drugs are illegally manufactured drugs that were originally used at all night dance clubs. People in a variety of social situations abuse these types of drugs. Examples include:
8. Ecstasy or Molly—
These stimulants can lead to increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
9. Ketamine—Katamine is a veterinary anesthetic, a depressant that can cause increased blood pressure.
9. Nicotine
Smoking can increase your risk of atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about strategies to quit.
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