Chantix is a smoking-cessation drug that is designed to block nicotine receptors and help patients quit smoking over a period of four to 12 weeks, according to the Mayo Clinic. While the effectiveness of the drug as a smoking-cessation aid varies from person to person, there is a consensus that using Chantix needs to be a decision undertaken with a physician's advice due to the side effects of Chantix. These include several possible cardiovascular effects.
Increased Tension
According to the Mayo Clinic, Chantix has been linked to increased reports of tension. Rising tension levels in the circulatory system can trigger other coronary distress symptoms such as high blood pressure. This makes Chantix something to approach with caution if there is a family history of hypertension.
Irregular Heartbeat
One of the documented side effects of taking Chantix is heightened incidence of irregular heartbeat. This is not listed among the primary side effects of the drug, but it is a part of the more severe adverse reactions to the medication, as listed at Drugs.com. Heartbeat irregularities include slowed heartbeat, faster than normal heartbeat and simple irregularity in the heartbeat.
Fluctuations in patient heartbeats for those taking Chantix has also been linked to U.S. Food and Drug Administration safety warnings for the drug, which resulted in a restatement of the prescription guidelines in 2007, 2008 and 2009. The public health advisories covered a primary complaint---psychiatric issues---along with issues about cardiovascular effects of the drug that had resulted in patients losing consciousness.
Chest Pain
Another of the severe side effects of Chantix is heightened incidence of chest pain, warns Drugs.com. This was reported by both men and women who were taking the drug, whether or not they had previous complaints relating to coronary health.
Myocardial Infarction/ Heart Attack
According to the website The Medical News, users of Chantix reported heightened incidence of heart attacks and myocardial infarction incidents. A high number of these reports---more than 200---is credited with prompting the FDA to continue to update their prescription guidelines for Chantix, explains The Medical News.
Acute Coronary Syndrome
Along with acute coronary disease, acute coronary syndrome is listed as one of the rarest, yet severe adverse cardiovascular effects of taking Chantix. These cases appeared in placebo-controlled trials, reports Drugs.com.
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