Herbal Supplements and Heart Medicines: A Risky Mix?

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Herbal Supplements and Heart Medicines: Herbal Supplements and Heart Medicines: A Risky Mix?

While herbal supplements are often considered natural and safe, they can pose serious health risks when combined with prescription medications, especially those for heart conditions. Some of these interactions can be harmful, even life-threatening.

The Myth of “Natural Equals Safe”

Many people assume that because herbal supplements come from natural sources, they are harmless. However, this is not always the case. Herbal supplements can have strong effects on the body and may not mix well with prescription medications, particularly those used for heart and vascular issues like high blood pressure or heart failure. Such interactions can be dangerous.

The Importance of Communication

Nearly half of adults in the U.S. use herbal supplements, with a higher percentage among older adults. However, only about 25% of those individuals inform their healthcare providers. This is a significant concern because many people taking herbal supplements are also on prescription heart medications, potentially leading to unsafe interactions. For instance, the blood thinner warfarin (Jantoven) is known to interact with various herbal supplements.

To stay safe, it’s crucial to talk to your healthcare provider before using any herbal supplement, especially if you’re taking prescription medications. Your doctor or pharmacist can help identify potential risks.

Common Herbal Supplements and Their Drug Interactions

Some of the most widely used herbal supplements can interfere with heart medications. Below are some notable interactions:

1. Coenzyme Q-10

• Effects: Can reduce the effectiveness of warfarin and lower blood pressure.
• Risk: If you’re on blood pressure medications, combining them with Coenzyme Q-10 could lower your blood pressure too much.

2. Danshen

• Blood Thinners: Increases the risk of bleeding when combined with warfarin or blood thinners like clopidogrel (Plavix) or aspirin.
• Blood Pressure Medications: May cause a significant drop in blood pressure if used with medications like diltiazem (Cardizem).
• Digoxin: Can amplify the effects of digoxin, a heart medication, increasing the risk of arrhythmia.

3. Evening Primrose

• Risk: Increases bleeding risk when taken with blood thinners such as aspirin, clopidogrel, or warfarin.

4. Garlic

• Risk: Enhances bleeding risk when used with blood thinners like aspirin, clopidogrel, or warfarin.

5. Ginkgo Biloba

• Risk: Increases bleeding potential when combined with blood thinners.

6. Ginseng

• Interaction: Reduces the effectiveness of warfarin.

7. Hawthorn

• Interacts with:
  • Beta-blockers (e.g., atenolol, propranolol)
  • Calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem, nifedipine)
  • Nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin)
  • Digoxin

8. Licorice

• Effect: Reduces warfarin levels and increases the effect of digoxin.

9. Saw Palmetto

• Risk: Raises the risk of bleeding if used with blood thinners like aspirin, clopidogrel, or warfarin.

10. St. John’s Wort

• Interference: Reduces the effectiveness of many heart medications, including calcium channel blockers, digoxin, warfarin, and statins (e.g., atorvastatin, lovastatin). It can also interfere with immunosuppressant drugs like cyclosporine.

Stay Safe with Herbal Supplements

If your healthcare provider approves the use of herbal supplements alongside your medications, it’s important to use them cautiously. Always follow dosage instructions and be alert for signs of drug interactions, such as:

• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Changes in blood pressure

By keeping your healthcare provider informed and being cautious about herbal supplements, you can help avoid harmful interactions with your heart medications.