Treating chronic diseases: Medications and side effects

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), chronic diseases (i.e. heart disease, cancer, diabetes, etc.) are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States.

The CDC further states that 7 out of ten deaths each year are from chronic diseases, with heart disease, cancer and stroke accounting for more than 50 percent of all deaths each year. A majority of these diseases have numerous causes, most preventable; lack of physical activity, poor nutrition, tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption are the most common culprits.

For those chronic conditions which cannot be treated with lifestyle remedies, medications are often prescribed. With 133 million Americans having at least one chronic disease, it should not come as a surprise that many of these people are on multiple medications for these conditions.

Furthermore, each medication has its own side effects; so in combination, some medications may interact with another, thus rendering one ineffective or even hyper-effective. Here we will discuss the most common chronic diseases, the most common medications and their associated side effects.

Heart disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women. Hypertension, high cholesterol, obesity, and diabetes, in addition to the four culprits mentioned above, are the most common risk factors for heart disease.

Aspirin is the most commonly used medication for primary and secondary prevention of heart disease. The most common side effect associated with aspirin is an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Statins are used to aid in high cholesterol patients and carry side effects including: hepatic (liver) dysfunction, muscle injury/toxicity, renal (kidney) dysfunction and glucose metabolism issues (leading to diabetes).

Hypertension can be treated by a few medications including angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, diuretics, calcium channel blockers and beta-blockers, all of which have their respective side effects.

ACE inhibitors may be associated with hypotension (weakness, dizziness); hyperkalemia (high plasma potassium concentration); a dry, hacking cough; and are not recommended for use during pregnancy.

Originally posted here:
Treating chronic diseases: Medications and side effects