Asthma medication leading to cardiac complications

Hi @123oldpatient. This is a rather delayed welcome. Glad that you posted your question about asthma medications and cardiac complications to Connect members. I actually took your question to a Mayo Clinic pharmacist and this is what she wrote:

"These medications [theophyline, Beclamethsone, sulbutamole, etc] may impact the heart especially in people with pre-existing heart failure or heart rhythm problems. There aren’t really alternatives to the medications at this point as many asthma medications have the same side effects and warnings. People who have asthma can still use these medications but it is very important to follow up regularly with a physician so the asthma symptoms can be well controlled and all other body systems can be monitored."

I'd also like to bring fellow members @billh @tdrell @lauriedr, who have asthma. Do your doctors monitor for cardiac issues?

No, I am not monitored for cardiac issues. I am treated for anxiety, which I feel in my heart as well as other symptoms, with klonapin. I wore a Holter monitor for 24 hours about 5 years ago, but it showed nothing. My symptoms were attributed to anxiety. I have taken the meds you discussed, and am now on Qvar. But the only side effects we have discussed concerned possible future vision problems. I am 49 and postmenopausal. I will bring this up at my next appointment. Thank you for the heads up!

I have had asthma almost my whole life, for 58 years to be exact. I have taken all the meds and continue with Advair, Albuterol, Singulair, predinsine. My condition was worse and have been taking albuterol daily for over 2 years now. My pulse rate revs up into the 90's only when I take the albuterol. My heart is monitored by my primary care physician and has been checked out twice in the past two years. my heart is healthy but is monitored because heart disease runs on my father's side of the family. I exercise daily, by walking a total of 45 minutes per day.

Hi, @123oldpatient - wanted to check in with you and see how things are going with your asthma lately?

@billh
Hi Bill,
It sounds like you are on all the right meds as per your provider. I have been asthmatic for about the same amount of time. I am using Albuterol neb, Arformoterol (Brovana) (long acting albuterol med) by nebulizer 2 x a day, Prednisone dependent and Dupixent. I was on Xolair for 15 years and then it stopped working. I was on Tespire - which was good for 6 weeks and then I declined to needing hospitalization. I am fortunate that the Dupixent is doing well for me. This may be a suggestion for you to ask your pulm md about this. I also have history of CHF - so I am very careful about everything. Singulair did not work for me - I take an old OTC med - chlorpheniramine (Chlortimeton) - which helps with the allergies. Hope this information is helpful.

Regarding cardiac and asthma - when my asthma kept getting worse I did follow up with cardiology, with even being suggested to go to Mayo - but I was too ill to make the trip. I was on Theophylline and other medications for many years (35+). I am finally off Theophylline - unfortunately - am Prednisone dependent. The thing that caused damage to my heart was most likely the COVID I had (yes, I was vaccinated which kept me safe for 2 years). I did have pulmonary side effects from the vaccine with increased steroids needed. Thankfully, I have improved by keep track of my cardiac function and see the cardiologist every few months, and on meds, too.
When the lungs work harder for breathing, it affects oxygenation and can affect the heart. It is then difficult to figure out if shortness of breath is from the asthma or from the heart. If you need and use the nebulizer, and the shortness of breath improves, then it was a pulmonary problem. If after the nebulizer there is still shortness of breath, it is possibly the heart. Keep in touch with both pulmonary and cardiology providers. It is a balancing act - but can be done. Be mindful of how your body feels. Good luck and feel better.