Heart Palpitations, Slow Heart Rate, Low Blood Pressure: Symptoms or Side Effects?

-US Recall News

09/17/2009 - Heart palpitations, slow heart rate, and low blood pressure are often symptoms of diseases or conditions like hormonal changes or Sleep apnea, but could also be side effects associated with certain medications. Below is a list of diseases and conditions associated with symptoms like heart palpitations, slow heart rate, and low blood pressure, as well as a list of medications related to similar side effects.

We are not medical professionals, and these may not be comprehensive lists. Please contact your doctor if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms or side effects, or similar health issues.

Heart Palpitations, Slow Heart Rate, and Low Blood Pressure Are Symptoms Of

Low Thyroid: Hypothyroidism, or low thyroid, slows down your entire metabolism. The symptoms can be subtle. When the metabolism slows down it can cause a slow heart rate, heart palpitations and low blood pressure, as well as weight gain, fatigue, and a tendency to become cold easily.

Pregnancy: During pregnancy the circulatory system expands rapidly causing low blood pressure. The significant blood volume changes during pregnancy can also cause heart palpitations. Blood pressure and heart rate should return to normal when pregnancy is over.

Damaged Heart Tissue: Damaged heart tissue can cause heart palpitations, slow heart rate, and low blood pressure because the heart is no longer able to function properly and efficiently. The most common cause of heart muscle damage is heart attack, but it can also be caused by carbon monoxide poisoning, certain medications such as cancer fighting drugs, diabetes, and electric shock.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Sleep apnea is a serious and potentially fatal condition in which you stop breathing in your sleep. When this happens you wake up just enough to adjust your position and start breathing again, but usually not enough to notice, and then fall back asleep. The cycle can happen 100 times an hour.

Heart Palpitations, Slow Heart Rate, and Low Blood Pressure Are Side Effects Associated With:

Digoxin: Digitek (digoxin) is used to treat congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation. Digoxin is derived from the highly poisonous digitalis plant, commonly known as foxglove. Digitalis toxicity can cause heart palpitations, slow heart rate, low blood pressure, cardiac instability, nausea, vomiting, and death.

Atenolol: Atenolol, sold under the brand name Tenormin, is used to treat chest pains and high blood pressure, and is sometimes prescribed after a heart attack or to prevent heart attack. It belongs to a class of drugs called beta-blockers. Atenolol can cause slow heart rate, heart palpitations, faintness, cold hands and feet, and other side effects.

Wellbutrin: Wellbutrin (bupropion) is used to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Under the brand name Zyban, bupropion is used as a smoking cessation aid. Bupropion can have serious side effects including low blood pressure, irregular heart beat, and may also cause nausea, vomiting, excessive sweating, dizziness, and joint pain.

If you are currently taking Digitek (digoxin) and have concerns about its safety, you should consult with your doctor regarding your treatment options. Under no circumstances should you discontinue taking any medication, including Digitek (digoxin) , without first consulting with your doctor. If you or a loved one have suffered due to DIgitek (digoxin) side effects contact the Digitek Attorneys of Ennis & Ennis, P.A. by filling out our free Digitek case evaluation form or by calling the toll-free number listed below.