Cold Medicine That Doesn T Make Your Heart Race
Introduction
Cold and flu season is never a fun time of year. Sneezing, coughing, and a runny nose can make you feel miserable. When you're feeling under the weather, the last thing you want to worry about is whether or not your cold medicine is safe for your heart. Many over-the-counter cold medicines contain ingredients that can cause your heart to race, which can be dangerous for some people.
The Dangers of Cold Medicine and Your Heart
Some cold medicines contain decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, and oxymetazoline. These decongestants work by narrowing blood vessels in your nasal passages, which can help to reduce swelling and congestion. However, this narrowing can also affect your heart and blood pressure.
If you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or other heart problems, taking cold medicine with decongestants can be dangerous. Decongestants can increase your heart rate and blood pressure, which can put a strain on your heart. In some cases, this strain can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Safe Cold Medicines for Your Heart
If you're looking for cold medicine that won't make your heart race, there are a few options available. Some cold medicines use antihistamines instead of decongestants. Antihistamines work by blocking the effects of histamine, which is a chemical that causes allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and a runny nose.
Antihistamines are generally safe for people with heart problems because they don't affect your heart rate or blood pressure. Some common antihistamines found in cold medicines include loratadine, cetirizine, and diphenhydramine.
Another option for safe cold medicine is saline nasal spray. Saline nasal spray is a simple saltwater solution that can help to clear your nasal passages without affecting your heart or blood pressure. It's safe for people of all ages and can be used as often as needed.
Conclusion
When you're feeling under the weather, it's important to choose cold medicine that won't make your heart race. Decongestants can be dangerous for people with heart problems, so it's important to choose cold medicine that uses antihistamines or saline nasal spray instead. Always read the label and talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about which cold medicine is safe for you.