Commonly used drugs and supplements can worsen heart failure, US doctors warn

Many commonly used drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and complementary or alternative medicine (CAM) products can cause or worsen heart failure, the American Heart Association said in its first scientific statement on the risks such products may pose to patients with heart failure.1

The statement said that “healthcare providers should conduct comprehensive medication reconciliation at each clinical visit and with each admission. Patients should be specifically asked about drug, dose, and frequency of all their medications, including OTC drugs and CAMs.”

Patients with heart failure often have other conditions—such as …