Heart medication keeps you alive. That sounds blunt, but it is important to say because a lot of people stop taking their tablets due to side effects without realising the risk they are taking. The right approach is not to stop. It is to talk to your doctor about alternatives, because there almost always are some.
Statins
Statins are the most commonly prescribed heart drug in the UK and also the one that generates the most complaints. Muscle aches and pains are the most reported side effect, affecting roughly 1 in 10 people. For most, the aches are mild and settle down after a few weeks. For a smaller number, they can be significant. If muscle pain is affecting your daily life, your GP can try a different statin (rosuvastatin and pravastatin tend to cause fewer muscle problems than simvastatin) or adjust the dose.
Other reported side effects include headaches, digestive problems, and difficulty sleeping. There has been a lot of media coverage about statins causing memory problems, but the evidence for this is weak and the benefits of statins in reducing heart attacks and strokes are very well established.
Beta-Blockers
Bisoprolol, atenolol, metoprolol. Common side effects include cold hands and feet, tiredness, dizziness, and feeling generally sluggish. Sexual dysfunction is another common one that people are often too embarrassed to mention. These side effects are usually worst in the first few weeks and often improve. If they do not, there are alternative drugs that can do a similar job.
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Ramipril, lisinopril, perindopril. The classic side effect is a persistent dry cough, which affects around 1 in 10 people. If the cough is driving you mad, your doctor can switch you to an ARB (angiotensin receptor blocker) such as losartan or candesartan, which works in a similar way but rarely causes the cough.
Dizziness and a drop in blood pressure are also common, particularly when you first start taking them or when the dose increases. Get up slowly from sitting or lying down.
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Blood Thinners
If you are on warfarin, you already know about the regular blood tests and the dietary restrictions. Newer anticoagulants like apixaban and rivaroxaban do not require blood monitoring, but they still carry a risk of bleeding. Watch for unusual bruising, blood in your urine or stools, prolonged bleeding from cuts, or coughing up blood. Report any of these promptly.
The Key Message
Never stop a heart medication without talking to your doctor first. Some drugs, particularly beta-blockers, can cause dangerous rebound effects if stopped suddenly. If a side effect is making your life miserable, say so. There are usually alternatives. Your doctor would rather switch your medication than have you quietly stop taking it.
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have concerns about your health, speak to your GP or a qualified healthcare professional. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 999 immediately.
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