On Heart Medication? The Side Effects of Drugs Like Statins and Beta-Blockers May Surprise You

If you’re one of the millions of women taking medication to protect your heart, you already know how much these prescriptions can do for your health. But here’s the thing: Even the best heart medications can come with side effects that are easy to brush off or blame on something else, like aging, stress or a busy week. Knowing what’s normal—and what deserves a call to your doctor—can help you stay on top of your care and feel your best. Here’s what top cardiologists want women to watch for with four of the most common prescription drugs for heart health.

Statin medication side effects

Statins like Lipitor (atorvastatin) and Crestor (rosuvastatin) slow cholesterol production in the liver, dramatically reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The good news? According to preventive cardiologist Elizabeth Klodas, MD, 90 to 95 percent of people experience no ill effects at all. “It feels like taking a vitamin,” she says.

For the remaining 5 to 10 percent, four statin side effects are worth watching:

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• Muscle aches. “It tends to be symmetrical and affect large muscle groups like shoulders, back and legs,” Dr. Klodas says. Soreness typically shows up within the first six months.
• Liver issues. A small bump in liver enzymes is common early on and usually resolves on its own.
• Cognitive changes. Some patients report brain fog while on statins. “The brain is largely made of lipids and cholesterol, which could explain why statins may impact cognitive function,” notes Mark Menolascino, MD, author of Heart Solution for Women.
• Slight increased risk of type 2 diabetes over the long term.

The fix: Most of these effects are reversible and either dissipate with time or with a tweak to your Rx. Talk to your doctor about switching statin formulations or adjusting your dose. Because side effects are dose-dependent, supporting your heart with a fiber-rich, plant-based diet and regular exercise can help keep your prescription as low as possible.

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Losartan medication side effects

Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) and one of the most commonly prescribed blood pressure medications in America. It helps relax blood vessels and supports the heart’s pumping ability—a “powerful two-for-one benefit,” says Judith Goldfinger, MD, FACC, clinical cardiologist and director of Vascular Medicine at Mount Sinai West.

The main side effect of losartan is elevated potassium levels—which, surprisingly, can be a plus. “It can actually be helpful,” Dr. Goldfinger explains. “For example, if someone tends to have low potassium—or if they’re taking a diuretic that lowers potassium—this medication can help counteract that.” Still, potassium needs to stay in a healthy range, since levels that climb too high can affect the heart. Other potential side effects of this medication include:

• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Nausea 
• Headaches

The fix: Mild symptoms often ease as your body adjusts to the medication. Regular blood tests can keep potassium in check, and your doctor can swap medications if needed. Seek urgent care for serious signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling of the face, lips or throat or trouble breathing.

Beta-blocker medication side effects

Beta-blockers are taken by roughly 30 million U.S. adults, according to Mayo Clinic estimates, including some people with high blood pressure. “Beta-blockers are a class of medications that blunt the effects of stress hormones, primarily adrenaline and noradrenaline,” explains Fady Hannah-Shmouni, MD, endocrinologist and medical director at Eli Health. The result: a slower, gentler heartbeat and lower blood pressure.

Common beta-blocker side effects include:

• Fatigue
• Cold hands and feet
• Dizziness
• Slow heart rate 
• Nausea

Sneakier ones can be easy to dismiss:

• Reduced emotional response. “Some patients describe feeling emotionally flatter due to reduced adrenaline activity,” Dr. Hannah-Shmouni says.
• Sleep issues or vivid dreams. Certain beta-blockers cross the blood-brain barrier and affect sleep neurotransmitters.
• Lower exercise tolerance. Workouts may feel harder because your heart rate can’t climb as easily.

Trouble breathing or shortness of breath warrants an immediate call to your doctor, especially if you have asthma or COPD.

The fix: Never stop a beta-blocker suddenly. “Many side effects are dose-related or temporary, and safe adjustments can usually be made,” Dr. Hannah-Shmouni says. Brisk walking, the DASH or Mediterranean diet, modest weight loss and mindful breathing can all support healthy blood pressure naturally and improve your quality of life.

Eliquis medication side effects

Eliquis (apixaban) is a blood thinner used to prevent and break up blood clots and to treat atrial fibrillation. “It’s a very good blood thinner,” Dr. Klodas confirms.

The main eliquis side effect to watch for: increased bleeding. Eliquis carries an FDA “black box” warning for serious bleeding events. Minor cuts may bleed a bit longer and bruises may take longer to fade. That said, the bigger concern is major bleeding—especially in the brain—though Dr. Klodas notes the risk is low for most people.

One important caution: avoid pairing Eliquis with aspirin, which can increase the drug’s side effects. “What we’re finding more often is that Eliquis alone is enough, and adding aspirin can increase bleeding risk,” she says. “You may not get additional benefit, just a higher risk of bleeding.”

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The fix: Review every medication you take—including over-the-counter (OTC) options like aspirin—with your doctor. That one conversation could meaningfully lower your heart health risk.

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A heart-smart bottom line

Heart medications save lives, and most women take them with few or no problems. But if something feels off, trust yourself and check in with your doctor. A small tweak in dose or formulation can make all the difference in how you feel every day.

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