Carisoprodol or Soma pills do not directly affect the heart but can affect the central nervous system and blood pressure to cause cardiovascular symptoms. Studies show that 2% of individuals taking muscle relaxers may suffer from faster heart palpitations.
Is muscle relaxants safe for heart patients, or, to be more precise, “Does Soma affect the heart?” is one question that wonders most people's minds before taking the Soma pill. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2020, approximately 697,000 people died in the USA from heart issues [1]. Cardiovascular disorders have invariably been associated with the use of Soma pills and muscle relaxers. Therefore, it is now more than ever essential to address the risk of SOMA in heart patients.
Soma pill is a centrally acting muscle relaxer and the brand name of Carisoprodol. The prescribing information provided by the FDA reports cardiovascular instances in their postmarketing evaluations [2]. On that account, we explore and anatomize the effect of carisoprodol on cardiac patients and its potential risk.
Does Soma Affect The Heart?
Carisoprodol, the active compound of the Soma pill, affects the heart by targeting two different pathways. So who is more likely to suffer from heart arrhythmia from Carisoprodol?
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Soma pill addicts or recreational users who are likely to abuse Soma.
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People with obesity and diabetes.
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Heart and kidney patients.
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People with high blood pressure.
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Elderly people.
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People taking Carisoprodol with other treatments.
The impact of muscle relaxers on the cardiovascular system originates from-
Soma Affects the Heart By Influencing The Respiratory Centers-
Carisoprodol can cause respiratory depression, thus inhibiting neuromuscular transmission of the respiratory muscle [3]. It can also cause respiratory arrest, a condition where breathing completely stops. According to the data provided by the National Health Service (NHS), a lack of oxygen in the blood can damage the heart muscle, further triggering a heart attack.
Soma pills can also cause pulmonary hypertension, a medical condition that causes an elevation of pressure in the blood vessels that connect the heart and lungs. It may also result in heart failure [4].
By Affecting the circulatory system-
Along with affecting the respiratory system, carisoprodol also affects the body's circulatory system. The circulatory system is key to delivering nutrients and oxygen to the cells.
The heart is the primary organ of the circulatory system. Soma pills can affect the heart rate and the body's circulation; thus, when prescribing this muscle relaxer to patients with heart diseases, it is essential to consider this factor.
Carisoprodol inhibits the functioning of nerve cells in the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems that regulate an individual's heart rate.
The parasympathetic nervous system slows down the heart rate. In comparison, the sympathetic nervous system causes an elevation of the heart rate [5,6].
When carisoprodol inhibits the functioning of these nerve cells, it slows down the heart rate, also called the "respiratory sparing" effect.
How Do Muscle Relaxers Relax Your Heart?
Carisoprodol does not directly relax the heart but can indirectly cause a relaxing effect by acting on the blood vessels and nervous system.
Muscle relaxers act as CNS depressants for the central nervous system, resulting in sedative effects [7]. The National Cancer Institute defines CNS depressants as medications that cause muscle relaxation by slowing down brain activity [8]. Thus indicating the muscle-relaxing effect of the Soma pill.
A few muscle relaxers, such as Tizanidine and Baclofen, reduces muscle spasticity by acting on the central nervous system [9]. It can cause a decrease in the functioning of the sympathetic nervous system, resulting in a decrease in blood pressure and heart rate [10,11].
Cardiovascular Symptoms Of Taking Soma Pills
The prevalent cardiovascular symptoms of taking the Soma pill include-
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Change in the Heart rate or rhythms- Also termed heart arrhythmias, using muscle relaxers such as rocuronium bromide and vecuronium bromide can cause a faster heart rate. Whereas the Soma pill can result in arrhythmias if administered with antidepressants [12].
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Alteration in the blood pressure level- The intake of muscle relaxers can decrease diastolic and systolic blood pressure.
According to the British Heart Foundation, a drop in blood pressure may increase the heart rate [13].
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Tachycardia- According to a study, muscle relaxants have histamine-releasing properties [14]. Histamine is a chemical released by the body that regulates the cardiovascular system. Excessive secretion of Histamine can cause arrhythmogenic effects, resulting in abnormal heart rates [15].
Do Muscle Relaxers Affect Your Heart- What does clinical evidence suggest?
Apart from all the clinical studies suggesting the effect of the Soma pill on the heart mentioned above, numerous other medical reports support this theory.
A few significant studies evaluating the effect of soma pills or muscle relaxers on the heart are mentioned below.
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Journal |
Team of Researchers |
Conclusion Drawn |
|---|---|---|
|
Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica Medical Journal |
M. Gilbert et al. |
Muscle relaxers affect the heart's functioning in patients with ischemic heart disease [16]. |
|
British Journal of Anaesthesia. |
G. A. Harrison |
The comparison of different muscle relaxers indicates that a few of them caused hypotension while others had a negligible effect. The study also suggests that they can cause heart arrhythmias [17]. |
Can Muscle Relaxers Cause Heart Palpitations?
Heart palpitation is one of the predominant effects of muscle relaxers. It is also medically termed "heart-pounding," a condition where the heart rate increases. The risk of muscle relaxers causing heart palpitations is higher in people between 50 and 59 years old.
A phase IV clinical study by eHealthme analyzes Soma's effect on cardiac patients. The study was conducted on 15,267 people and reported to cause a faster heart rate (palpitation) in two percent of the test subjects [18].
The above graphical representation from the same study indicates the cases of heart palpitation associated with administering the Soma pill.
Seek immediate medical attention if palpitation occurs with:
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Fainting
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Dizziness
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Chest discomfort
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Shortness of breath
Can Muscle Relaxers Help Heart Palpitations?
No clinical research supports the beneficial use of muscle relaxers in treating heart palpitations.
People suffering from Heart palpitation or other cardiac symptoms should consult a doctor immediately. If these symptoms are visible after using the Soma pill, it is best to discontinue the medication.
Does Soma Raise Blood Pressure?
Carisoprodol or Soma pills do not cause an increase in blood pressure; they are reported to cause hypotension (low blood pressure). The vasodilating effect of muscle relaxers helps open the blood vessels, allowing proper blood flow and further lowering blood pressure.
Safety Tips for Taking Muscle Relaxers by Heart Patients
Heart disease is one of the most common side effects of the Soma pill. The FDA also recognizes it as a crucial and prevailing adverse effect of the muscle relaxer.
Here are a few user guidelines for taking muscle relaxers for heart patients:
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Get an electrocardiogram (ECG) done by consulting your Cardiologist before taking the Soma dosage.
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Heart patients must not get Soma online without a doctor's consultation.
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Do not take Soma pills after three weeks of continuous usage.
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Any changes in dosage must be done under the supervision of a physician.
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Do not mix your heart medication with the Soma pill to avoid drug interactions that lower the efficacy and potency of the drug.
Reviews Illustrating If Muscle Relaxants Safe For Heart Patients
The heart is a muscular organ, and muscle relaxants act on the muscle to induce its effects; Most people wonder if they are safe for heart patients or if they will impact the functioning of the heart.
The heart is a cardiac muscle, whereas the Soma pill is a skeletal muscle relaxant that does not directly impact the heart. But "Cardiac symptoms" are among Carisoprodol's notable and distinct side effects.
The reviews and anecdotes by users on the effect of Soma on the heart will depict a clear image of the muscle relaxer and its effect on the cardiac system [19, 20].
Do Muscle Relaxers Affect The Heart- Our Final Verdict
The use of Soma affects the heart by altering the heart rate, thus resulting in palpitation or a slower heart rate in users. In severe cases, it may induce myocardial infarction, which is more frequent in cardiac patients administering Soma without a prescription, addicts, and users taking the muscle relaxer with other medications.
Not all muscle relaxers cause the same cardiac symptoms, but none of them can be completely ruled out as being safe for heart patients. Soma pills should be taken by such people only under the supervision of a medical practitioner.
Author Note-
Emily Burger, our esteemed author, is a dedicated healthcare expert with several years of practice. Her passion for empowering people about their health has been her driving force and sole motivation to write extensively on various health topics. The blogs on HealthNaturo are written and published after thorough research in research papers and journals to ensure the accuracy of the information. Our readers' health is our top priority, so we constantly review and update our content to ensure it is up-to-date. We continuously strive to expand our knowledge, so we appreciate any additional information or inquiries our readers may have. You can reach out to us at [email protected].