Diltiazem and Fish Oil

Your doctor has many medication that she can prescribe for you if you have cardiovascular health problems. She may recommend and prescribe diltiazem for high blood pressure, heart arrhythmias, supraventricular tachycardia and other heart-related conditions. At the same time, your physician may recommend taking over-the-counter fish oil supplements if you have high cholesterol, specifically high levels of fatty acids called triglycerides. If you already take diltiazem or fish oil, ask your doctor before combining these items.

Diltiazem

Calcium channel blockers such as diltiazem work to help regulate your heart rate and function by preventing calcium from its cardiovascular effects. Calcium may cause your heart to beat faster than it should or harder than it should, both of which may cause high blood pressure. The mineral also can constrict your blood vessels. You need calcium in your body, but it can produce unwanted effects in your cardiovascular system. Diltiazem stops calcium from entering heart cells and helps to relax your blood vessel. Both of these actions help to reduce your blood pressure, which helps you maintain a healthy heart. Doctors also recommend calcium channel blockers to lessen angina, a form of chest pain related to the heart, Mayo Clinic notes.

Fish Oil

Fish oil, or omega-3 supplements can produce several health benefits. Taking fish oil can act as an anti-inflammatory agent to reduce joint and muscle pain. In addition, doctors typically recommend it if you have excess triglycerides in your body. These fatty acids can produce blockages in your blood vessels and arteries by adhering to the inner walls and hardening into plaque. This narrows the passages for blood flow and increases blood pressure. Fish-oil supplements decrease triglyceride levels and help to clear your blood vessels.

Diltiazem Side Effects

Using diltiazem alters your heartbeat, bringing it back to normal. However, the medicine can alter your heart rate too much, the University of Maryland Medical center indicates. It can produce a new arrhythmia such as an irregular heartbeat, tachycardia -- a too rapid heartbeat -- or bradycardia, a heart rate that is too slow. Seek your doctor's aid immediately if you notice any such side effects. The drug also can make it difficult for you to breathe and you may hear a high-pitched whistling noise when you exhale. You also may feel weaker than normal. If you experience any of these kinds of side effects from diltiazem, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends contacting your practitioner immediately.

Fish Oil Side Effects

Fish-oil supplements generally produce side effects only when you begin using them. Once your body adjusts, the side effects usually end. You may have a fish-like taste in your mouth or belch with a similar taste. You may feel nauseous and vomit. You may experience temporary and minor pain in your lower back. If these side effects persist, stop taking the supplement and seek your doctor's help.

Interactions

There are no known interactions between diltiazem and fish-oil supplements, Drugs.com reports. The website notes that you may experience interactions that have not been reported. Consult your practitioner if you experienced some form of interaction. Inform your doctor before taking the supplement and medicine together. He may have some advice for you or recommend against taking both.