Avandia & Heart Attacks

A black box warning on Avandia states that Avandia has been associated with an increased risk of heart attack, or myocardial infarction. The risk of heart attack is increased in patients taking nitrates or insulin in combination with Avandia.

A heart attack can occur when blood flow to the heart is interrupted, which can be fatal if left untreated.

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2007 by the Cleveland Clinic determined that Avandia increased the risk of heart attack by 43 percent.

When compared with non-diabetic individuals, diabetic patients are at an increased risk for many conditions that are risk factors for a heart attack, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and a narrowing of the arteries due to plaque buildup (atherosclerosis). Those taking Avandia increase their risk of heart attack further.

Heart Attack Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of a heart attack include:

• Abdominal pain
• Chest pain
• Clammy skin
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Heartburn
• Nausea
• Pain in the shoulder, arm, back, teeth, or jaw
• Shortness of breath
• Squeezing in the chest or a feeling of pressure
• Sweating
• Unusual fatigue
• Vomiting