Drugs May Raise Risk of Heart Failure

Newspaper Columns, Pharmacy Q&A July 11, 2007

Q. You had a letter from a woman worried about her husband’s lack of energy. He was on atenolol, Norvasc and furosemide for high blood pressure. She asked about his low potassium.

As I read her letter, I became concerned that he may have heart failure. I’ve been a cardiology nurse for 14 years. Fatigue is one of the hallmark first complaints of heart failure, which is common in people with hypertension.

Norvasc can worsen undiagnosed heart failure. I hope he will see his doctor for evaluation of his "no energy" complaint. Heart failure is the number one reason for admission into the hospital today and there are safer blood pressure medications.

A. Heart failure is extremely dangerous and is increasing at an alarming rate. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, nighttime cough, fatigue and swollen ankles.

The current controversy over the diabetes drug Avandia involves an increased risk of heart failure. Norvasc also seems to increase this risk (American Heart Journal, Jan. 2007). Atenolol can also contribute to fatigue.

Our Guide to Blood Pressure Treatment discusses the pros and cons of various types of blood pressure medication and lists high-potassium foods for those on diuretics such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide.

Reader Comments

Thank you for your newspaper article on Norvasc and Atenolol. You said there are safer drugs. I immedately asked my doctor to prescribe something else. About three weeks after changing to another drug, my swollen legs were back to normal.

Posted by: Barbara Moll | August 16, 2007 4:31 PM

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Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Their syndicated radio show can be heard on public radio. In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of this newspaper or e-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.

The People's Pharmacy® with Joe and Terry Graedon

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