The use of triptans is controversial in seniors because in rare cases these medications have been linked to ischemic heart disease and heart attacks. This concern is primarily limited to older adults and those with known heart artery blockages or definite coronary artery disease. The effects of triptans on the blood vessels that feed the heart were tested in an interesting study in patients with heart disease who were scheduled for an angioplasty procedure to dilate a constricted blood vessel around the heart. During the procedure, they were injected intravenously (IV) with a solution containing either a triptan medication or a comparison placebo. Overall, the diameter of the heart's blood vessel after IV of the triptan was constricted 4 - 7 percent with the triptan, and 5 percent with the placebo. A few patients had more substantial constrictions, up to 35 percent with the triptan and up to 22 percent with the placebo. This study supports the conclusion that the effects of triptans on heart arteries are relatively small, even in people who already have heart disease. Nevertheless, it is recommended that triptans not be given to anyone who has any significant risk of heart artery blockages or coronary artery disease.
The use of triptans is controversial in seniors because in rare
cases these medications have been linked to ischemic heart disease
and heart attacks. This concern is primarily limited to older
adults and those with known heart artery...
More
Dr. Dawn Marcus answered:The use of triptans is controversial in seniors because in rare cases these medications have been linked to ischemic heart disease and heart attacks. This concern is primarily limited to older adults and those with known heart artery blockages or definite coronary artery disease. The effects of triptans on the blood vessels that feed the heart were tested in an interesting study in patients with heart disease who were scheduled for an angioplasty procedure to dilate a constricted blood vessel around the heart. During the procedure, they were injected intravenously (IV) with a solution containing either a triptan medication or a comparison placebo. Overall, the diameter of the heart's blood vessel after IV of the triptan was constricted 4 - 7 percent with the triptan, and 5 percent with the placebo. A few patients had more substantial constrictions, up to 35 percent with the triptan and up to 22 percent with the placebo. This study supports the conclusion that the effects of triptans on heart arteries are relatively small, even in people who already have heart disease. Nevertheless, it is recommended that triptans not be given to anyone who has any significant risk of heart artery blockages or coronary artery disease.