[r.sub.X] drugs: nutrient zappers.(detecting nutritional deficiencies caused by drugs for treatment of heart diseases)(Brief Article)

It's sad but true: At some point in our lives, many of us will be taking prescription medications to prevent or treat heart disease. While drugs can reduce high blood pressure, control cholesterol levels and dilate arteries, they can also deplete vital nutrients. This chart has been designed to alert you to potential deficiency symptoms that you should be on the lookout for. Talk to your health care practitioner about having your levels tested and designing a compensatory supplement regimen that's right for you.

 
[r.sub.X] drugs: nutrient zappers 
 
Drug                         Nutrient            Potential Deficiency 
                              Depletion             Problems 
 
ANTIHYPERTENSIVES 
Hydralazine                  Vitamin [B.sub.6]   Sleeplessnesss, general 
vasodilators (e.g.,                              fatigue, abnormal EEGs, 
hydralazine HCL,                                 lowered immune 
Apresoline, Hydralyn,                            function, nervous 
Hydra-Zide)                                      disorders 
                             Co[Q.sub.10]        Low energy, high blood 
                                                 pressure, congestive 
                                                 heart failure (CHF), 
                                                 angina, mitral valve 
                                                 prolapse, stroke, 
                                                 cardiac arrhythmia, 
                                                 cardiomyopathy, 
                                                 gingivitis, lowered 
                                                 immune function 
Loop diuretics (e.g.,        Calcium             Muscle cramps, heart 
Lasix, Bumex, Edecrin,                           palpitations, high 
Demadex)                                         blood pressure, 
                                                 brittle/soft bones 
                                                 (bone loss if not 
                                                 treated), tooth decay, 
                                                 insomnia 
                             Magnesium           Muscle cramps/spasms/ 
                                                 tremors/weakness, low 
                                                 exercise tolerance, 
                                                 insomnia, loss of 
                                                 appetite, nausea, 
                                                 vomiting, cardiac 
                                                 arrhythmia 
                             Vitamin [B.sub.1], 
                             Vitamin [B.sub.6]   Weight loss, cardiac 
                                                 edema, altered heart 
                                                 rate, enlarged heart 
                             Vitamin C           Bleeding gums, skin 
                                                 discoloration, bruises, 
                                             ...