Minoxidil and Diastolic Heart Failure?

Hi @tcokeefe, I have seen reports of increased heart rate and shortness of breath when laying down.

I want to invite @predictable to the conversation who has discussed Minoxidil in a post in an AFib discussion here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/side-efects/?pg=2#comment-120079

Reference info: "Aug 1, 2020 — Minoxidil belongs to the general class of medicines called antihypertensives. ... Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. ... This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke,..." - Minoxidil (Oral Route) Description and Brand Names - Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/minoxidil-oral-route/description/drg-20068757

Side effects: https://www.singlecare.com/blog/minoxidil-side-effects/

@tcokeefe, were you taking Minoxidil orally or using it topically?

I have been using it topically for a few years

And now what I’m wondering is if I stop using it with the shortness of breath, if caused by the minoxidil, go away? In other words with any side effects stop. I know no one can really answer that unless they’ve had a similar experience

Try the link below which shows a comparison of Minoxidil and Carvedilol. I have no experience with Minoxidil but I do have experience with Carvedilol which is a similar drug. The paragraph below this link explains my Carvedilol experience which caused me to write this reply.
http://www.comparical.com/comparison/carvedilol-vs-minoxidil-NzI0Nzk
I took one 3.125 mg pill of carvedilol (first prescription) and then after 3 or 4 hours took a shot from an albuterol inhaler. I spent the next 3 hours sitting down trying to breathe. I did not take another pill. I had been having breathing problems before this time, hence the albuterol inhaler, but nothing remotely like this 3 hours. I don't know if this really severe breathing problem was due specifically to the carvedilol or the combination of the carvedilol and albuterol. However, when I looked at the counter indications it should never have been prescribed since I had asthma or bronchitis.

Having been treated for hypertension with both Minoxidil and Carvedilol, I have to warn that the two drugs are very different. Minoxidil works as a vasodialator (widening of the arteries) and as a treatment for male hair loss. Carvedilol is a beta blocker used to adjust heart rate and pulse pressure. My nephrologist and I cancelled Minoxidil because it caused my hands and feet to swell (a common side effect). I've been on Carvedilol for four years, replacing a half-dozen other hypertension medications I used over the years before my diagnosis of Atrial fibrillation (faulty heart rhythm). Any decision to adjust the dosage of these powerful medications or to drop them should be subject to detailed consultation with your medical team.

Thanks for that information! Very very interesting!

Hi. I’m 35 years old, male. Who’s been using topical minoxidil foam for maybe about 8months now… I just woke up with my heart beating fast… it’s been happening for the past maybe two months now… I suddenly remember reading about minoxidil and the heart… I read this entire thread and now I’m really worried my heart beating fast at times is due to this product. I’m using minoxidil foam by HIMS… does the oral form of minoxidil have these side affects as well? It sucks because I have notice a huge diffence in hair density using this product for more than 8 months now… I know if I stop using it I will loose all my progress… I’m thinking if I get on oral finistride, I can stop the topical minoxidil? I’ve gained enough hair density where I am satisfied (like how I had it when I was young), I can stop the topical minoxidil and just get in finastride (because it his medication that retains your). Note - I was laying down when these heart rapid polpusations started happening for maybe 15 seconds… does it only happen when you’re laying down? What if I applied the topical minoxidil during the day when I’m not laying down? I’m so concerned. Thank you so much in advance

I had the exact same experience with minox back in the day. I actually believe it triggered bouts of afib, but they always resolved fairly quickly and I never went to the doc since it would have been hard to present with the issue. It did happen a bunch of times whilst first lying down. These were very short episodes, typically less than a minute. Then longer episodes one time on a cycling tour and another while skiing. Both those times I just sat still for 10-15 minutes or so until normal rhythm returned and then carried on. I quit this stuff years ago since I am old enough... and wise enough... to not care about what hair I have left. Have not had any such episodes since.