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Drug Side Effects

Is Heart Failure A Side Effect Of TZDs?

Apr 25, 2017

It is a known fact that Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) lead to fluid retention in our body. Our blood pressure is determined by the amount of fluid in the body. Since our circulatory system is a closed one, if the amount of fluid goes high, it puts pressure on the heart. And if this happens on a continuous basis, it may result in heart failure.

Who All Are At Risk of A Heart Failure?

As per the American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association recommendation, TZDs are contraindicated for patients suffering from New York Heart Association class III or IV Congestive Heart Failure (CHF.)

Additionally, Type 2 diabetic patients with the below given factors have an increased risk of developing heart failure:

  • History of prior myocardial infarction or symptomatic heart failure
  • Hypertension
  • Left ventricular hypertrophy
  • Significant aortic or mitral valve disease
  • Old age, specifically above 70 years
  • Long-standing diabetes of more than 10 years
  • Pre-existing edema
  • Development of weight gain or edema on thiazolidinedione therapy
  • Insulin co-administration
  • Chronic renal failure

Interestingly, a retrospective cohort study conducted on more than 16,000 patients suggests that although TZDs may increase peripheral edema, a symptom of heart failure, it does not necessarily increase mortality rates.

Know more about the side effects of TZDs in this article.

Mahesh Jayaraman
Mahesh is a hormone health counsellor & holistic health expert. He has a Mastery Certification in Functional Blood Chemistry Analysis from the US, is certified in Functional Nutrition from Washington State University and uses a wide array of healing modalities to guide his clients to vibrant health and well-being.