A common medication given to heart patients can increase the risk of a heart attack by a whopping eightfold. This is something you need to watch out for!
According to Japanese researchers, the sleeping pills given to heart failure patients when they are discharged from the hospital significantly increase their chances of experiencing further “cardiovascular events.” The sleeping pills multiply these chances by a factor of eight!
Sleeping problems and heart failure patients
Sleeping problems are a frequent side effect of heart failure, and it is common for patients to be prescribed sleeping pills when they are discharged from the hospital. Heart failure patients often have other co-existing medical conditions and may be prescribed additional medications, such as diuretics, antiplatelets, antihypertensives, anticoagulants, and anti-arrhythmics.
Masahiko Setoguchi, one of the researchers in the study, points out the dangers that these prescriptions pose for heart failure patients. The study examined more than 100 heart failure patients for up to six months. The results were startling: those who took sleeping pills had a much greater risk of experiencing life-threatening complications.
The growing relevance of this issue
As Setoguchi explains, the number of heart failure patients is on the rise, making this issue increasingly relevant. “Our results are of growing relevance to heart failure patients and the professionals who treat them,” he says. Setoguchi also acknowledges that the benzodiazepine hypnotics contained in these sleeping pills may have cardiodepressant actions, which could further deteriorate the patients’ conditions.
The sleeping pills may also exert respiratory depressant actions, which could exacerbate sleep-disordered breathing and lead to a worse prognosis. Given these potential complications, it’s essential to be aware of the risks that these pills pose to heart failure patients.
What can be done to mitigate the risks?
Healthcare professionals and patients alike should be aware of the potential harm caused by prescribing sleeping pills to heart failure patients. They should consider alternative treatments and carefully weigh the benefits and risks associated with these medications. That way, heart failure patients can receive the most appropriate care for their condition without inadvertently increasing their risk of suffering further complications.
Alternative ways to manage sleeping problems in heart failure patients
There may be alternative non-pharmacological methods to improve sleep quality and manage sleeping problems among heart failure patients. One option could be incorporating relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery exercises. These techniques can help to relax the body and the mind, promoting better sleep.
Another potential solution is to improve sleep hygiene by practicing good habits that promote better sleep quality. This can include establishing a regular sleep schedule, creating a comfortable and dark sleeping environment, avoiding stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine before bedtime, and engaging in relaxation activities in the evening, like reading or listening to calming music.
In conclusion
The dangers posed by sleeping pills for heart failure patients are alarming. The increased risk of life-threatening complications should be taken seriously by both healthcare professionals and patients. It’s crucial to weigh the potential risks of using these medications against their benefits and explore alternative methods of managing sleep problems in heart failure patients.
By being informed, proactive, and working together, healthcare professionals and heart failure patients can ensure the best possible care and avoid the potentially severe consequences associated with the use of sleeping pills. Stay vigilant, and you can help safeguard yourself or your loved one from harm.
