{"id":2951,"date":"2025-04-05T05:18:12","date_gmt":"2025-04-05T05:18:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/2951\/"},"modified":"2025-04-05T05:18:12","modified_gmt":"2025-04-05T05:18:12","slug":"urgent-warning-to-hay-fever-sufferers-using-over-the-counter-drugs-that-affect-the-heart-and-blood-pressure","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/2951\/","title":{"rendered":"Urgent warning to hay fever sufferers using over-the-counter drugs that ‘affect the heart and blood pressure\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"

A HEART health expert has issued a warning over common hay fever treatments that may affect blood pressure or cause palpitations. <\/p>\n

Some over-the-counter drugs<\/a> could be dangerous to people with heart issues, the specialist warned. <\/p>\n

\"Woman's<\/a><\/p>\n

2<\/p>\n

Some antihistamines could lead to fast or irregular heartbeatCredit: Getty<\/p>\n

As the UK basks in warmer spring<\/a> weather<\/a> – with temperatures tipping into the 20s in some parts of the country – rising pollen counts might throw a damper on things for hay fever<\/a> sufferers allergic to tree pollen.<\/p>\n

Warnings for ‘very high’ pollen counts are in place for the South West and South East of England<\/a>, as well as the West Midlands<\/a> today, according to the Met Office<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Meanwhile, the East Midlands, the East and North West<\/a> of England<\/a> and Wales<\/a> will be buffeted ‘high’ levels of pollen. <\/p>\n

Brits will get some relief over the weekend, but pollen counts are expected to climb again on Monday. <\/p>\n

Hay fever sufferers can rely on pharmacies for relief from their runny nose, streaming eyes, itchy throat and sneezing.<\/p>\n

But people with pre-existing heart or circulatory issues should be cautious about their medication choices, Julie Ward, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Some common treatments – including antihistamines<\/a> and decongestants<\/a> – could have an effect on your heart or blood pressure, so it’s worth consulting your doctor before taking them. <\/p>\n

There are several types of medicines you can\u00a0take to ease maddening hay fever symptoms – though the three main ones are steroid\u00a0nasal sprays, antihistamines and decongestants.<\/p>\n

Here are two types of treatments that are worth being wary of if you have heart disease<\/a> or high blood pressure<\/a>: <\/p>\n

1. Decongestants <\/p>\n

According to Julie, decongestants\u00a0also require caution if you have a heart or circulatory condition.<\/p>\n

GP-approved hay fever tips that really will stifle the sneezes<\/p>\n

This is because some contain drugs\u00a0like pseudoephedrine – a common ingredient in products like Sudafed<\/a> – which constricts\u00a0blood vessels.<\/p>\n

“This can raise your blood\u00a0pressure and\u00a0heart rate\u00a0and cause\u00a0palpitations,” Julie wrote<\/a>. <\/p>\n

If your heartbeat becomes noticeable and you have a fluttering or pounding feeling in your chest, you may be experiencing heart palpitations. <\/p>\n

“Because of this, the NHS<\/a> does not recommend\u00a0decongestants for anyone with high blood\u00a0pressure or a heart or circulatory disease,” the cardiac nurse said.<\/p>\n

\"Three-day<\/a><\/p>\n

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‘Very high’ pollen levels are forecast for today and the next few days<\/p>\n

“If you need a decongestant, talk to your\u00a0doctor or pharmacist, and always read the medicine information leaflet before taking\u00a0a hay fever medication as some combine\u00a0antihistamines with decongestants.<\/p>\n

“If you experience heart palpitations,\u00a0which feel like your heart is racing or\u00a0skipping a beat, after taking a hay fever\u00a0medicine, stop taking it and consult\u00a0your doctor.”<\/p>\n

2. Antihistamines<\/p>\n

Antihistamines like loratadine – sold under the name Clarityn –\u00a0and cetirizine, known as Piriteze, are generally\u00a0safe for people with high blood pressure and\u00a0heart\u00a0and circulatory diseases, Julie said. <\/p>\n

They work by blocking chemicals in\u00a0your blood called histamines that cause\u00a0hay fever symptoms.<\/p>\n

But another type of antihistamine, called\u00a0fexofenadine – sold under the names Allevia or Telfast – can lead to a fast\u00a0or irregular heartbeat. <\/p>\n

You should talk to your\u00a0doctor or pharmacist before taking it, the nurse advised. <\/p>\n

Risks of antihistamines <\/p>\n

Most people can safely take antihistamines.<\/p>\n

But speak to a pharmacist or GP\u00a0for advice\u00a0if you:<\/p>\n