Drugs used to treat a range of conditions may cause or worsen heart failure, experts have said.

According to a statement from the American Heart Association, even common over-the- counter drugs, such as painkillers and heartburn medication, could trigger or worsen the heart condition.

Heart failure is a potentially life-threatening condition which leads to the heart being unable to pump enough blood around the body. Symptoms include tiredness, shortness of breath, dizziness and swollen ankles and around 90,000 people are currently living with the condition in Ireland.

The statement from the association warns that some drugs and ‘natural' remedies may have unintended consequences when it comes to heart health. It noted that heart failure patients often have to take a number of medications per day for their condition, but they may also be prescribed other medications by different healthcare professionals.

"Since many of the drugs heart failure patients are taking are prescribed for conditions such as cancer, neurological conditions, or infections, it is crucial but difficult for healthcare providers to reconcile whether a medication is interacting with heart failure drugs or making heart failure worse," said Prof Robert Page II, chairperson of the statement's writing committee.

As an example, the experts pointed out that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are commonly-used painkillers such as ibuprofen, may cause or worsen heart failure by causing sodium and fluid retention. This could make diuretic medications less effective. Diuretic drugs cause an increased passing of urine.

The experts also noted that heartburn and cold remedies can contain high amounts of sodium, which tend to be restricted in patients with heart failure.

"Patients have been taught to read food labels for sodium content, but they also need to read labels on over-the- counter medications and natural supplements," Prof Page commented.

The experts also warned that many supplements used in alternative and complementary medicine could be potentially dangerous for those with heart failure. For example, medicines containing ephedra could be an issue because they raise blood pressure and herbs such as ginseng and St John's wort are known to interfere with some heart failure medications.

The statement points out that herbs, supplements and other ‘natural' remedies should never be used to treat or manage heart failure symptoms.

"Keep a list of all your medications and doses to show at every medical visit, and inform a healthcare provider treating your heart failure before stopping or starting any medication. Ideally there should be a ‘captain' who oversees your medications. This person might be a physician, advanced practice nurse, nurse or a pharmacist who is managing your heart failure," Prof Page said.

The statement is published in the American Heart Association's journal, Circulation.