Common medicines including cold and flu remedies, indigestion pills and ibuprofen 'make heart conditions worse'
Ibuprofen, cold and flu remedies and indigestion pills may worsen a heart condition which affects millions of people, experts warn.
They are also urging patients with heart failure to avoid green tea, grapefruit juice, liquorice and some herbs as this may also weaken the heart.
The American Heart Association is publishing guidelines urging doctors to check the medications of all patients thoroughly to ensure they aren’t inadvertently putting their lives at risk.
The organisation is one of the largest and most influential in the world and the recommendations are being closely heeded by medical professionals here in the UK.
Around 900,000 British people have heart failure. It occurs when the heart muscle is too weak to pump blood around the body, causing extreme tiredness, breathlessness and swelling of the legs.
It usually develops in patients who have previously suffered a heart attack or stroke, and symptoms tend to deteriorate with time.
But experts are concerned that some common medications cause the body to store excess fluid and salt, which means the heart has to work harder to pump blood through.
This is a particularly problematic in patients with heart failure, whose hearts are already very weak.
Research has shown that heart failure patients taking ibuprofen or similar pills are ten times more at risk of experiencing a flare-up of symptoms and third more likely to be admitted to hospital.
The American Heart Association is urging patients with heart failure not to take ibuprofen or any of a common group of painkillers including ibuprofen known as Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs, (NSAIDs).
They should also avoid any remedies that contain ibuprofen – such as Nurofen cold and flu relief – and some indigestion relief, including Gaviscon, which causes a similar effect.
Patients should also steer clear of green tea, grapefruit juice and natural remedies such as liquorice, St John’s Wort and ginseng, particularly if their symptoms worsen.
Today’s statement reminds doctors not to prescribe a wide range of pills for blood pressure, depression, arthritis and certain other conditions – which are already known to aggravate the heart.
Dr Mariell Jessup, professor of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in the US and member of the American Heart Association said: ‘It’s very concerning that patients who have heart failure, if they take NSAIDS, it clearly aggravates sodium and fluid retention.
‘If the patient holds on to more salt and water, then it’s more work for the heart, and will aggravate the heart failure condition.
‘There’s a wide variety of people who should be aware these aren’t harmless drugs.
Referring to her own advice to patients, she added: ‘We in general tell patients not to take these drugs.
‘If they want to take them on a regular basis we ask them to discuss it with us and be mindful of the potential for salt and water potential.’
‘When asked about green tea and liquorice, she said: ‘The most important thing is that heart failure patients monitor themselves every morning.
‘We ask them to weigh themselves every day and be aware that food and other substances can cause them to hold on to salt and water.’
British experts urged heart failure patients not to be ‘alarmed’ but to take heed of the warning.
Professor Tony Fox, an expert in pharmaceutical medicine at King’s College London, said: ‘While heart failure patients should not be alarmed, this statement emphasises a few common sense things.
‘Make sure your doctor knows about all of the drugs that you take including all herbal remedies. Do not start taking some new drug or herbal medicine without checking with your doctor first.
‘Be alert for mild adverse effects, and tell your doctor about them before they get any worse.’
Professor Peter Weissberg, Medical Director at the British Heart Foundation, urged patients not to ‘self medicate’ with over the ｃounter pills or alternative remedies and herbs.
‘This statement provides a timely reminder that many drugs, whether prescribed or purchased over the ｃounter, can have adverse effects on patients with heart failure.
Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-3684743/
Image Source: http://cdn1.collective-evolution.com/assets/uploads/2014/11/Common-Cold.jpg
Vocabulary Words:
1. Inadvertently - (adv.) Without intention accidentally
2. At risk - (adj.) (of a person or group) in danger of being attacked or hurt, especially in their own home
3. Deteriorate - (verb) to become worse
4. Aggravate - (verb) to make an illness or a bad or unpleasant situation worse
5. Emphasis - (noun) special importance that is given to something
Discussion Questions:
1. How do you treat a common cold? Are there any special ways how people do it in your ｃountry?
2. Do you think a common cold can be treated by medicine intended for colds?
3. Some people dislike taking medications and avoid them unless necessary. Do you think this practice is healthy? Why do you say so?
4. In your opinion, do you agree that medicine can have other side-effects? Why or why not?
5. Explain your understanding of this popular saying - Prevention is better than cure.
