Medication-induced Cardiotoxicity
Adverse cardiac effects caused by medications, particularly concerning in elderly patients due to altered pharmacokinetics and polypharmacy.
Full Definition
Medication-induced cardiotoxicity encompasses a range of adverse cardiac effects resulting from pharmaceutical agents, presenting unique challenges in geriatric cardiology due to age-related changes in drug metabolism, clearance, and sensitivity. Elderly patients are at increased risk due to multiple factors including polypharmacy, drug interactions, altered pharmacokinetics, and pre-existing cardiac conditions. Common culprits include chemotherapeutic agents, antibiotics, antiarrhythmic drugs, and psychotropic medications. Recognition requires high clinical suspicion, careful medication reconciliation, and often collaboration with pharmacists and other specialists to balance therapeutic benefits with cardiac risks.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate when used as a compound adjective; specify the causative medication when known.
In Context
- "The cardiologist suspected medication-induced cardiotoxicity following initiation of the new antifungal agent." — Consultation note
- "Baseline echocardiography is recommended to monitor for medication-induced cardiotoxicity in high-risk elderly patients." — Monitoring protocol