TLDR Minoxidil may cause heart issues in guinea pigs, suggesting potential harm for users with heart conditions.
The study found that minoxidil, a drug used for hair loss treatment, can cause cardiac hypertrophy in guinea pigs, indicating potential harm to the heart. The drug can lead to changes in heart muscle properties, weight, and composition, and caution is advised when using it in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions. Higher doses of minoxidil can lead to greater increases in heart weight, and the condition developed gradually with low mortality rates. The drug may have potential cardiovascular side effects, and long-term use can cause eccentric left ventricular hypertrophy due to volume overload.
29 citations,
October 1996 in “Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology” Higher minoxidil doses in dogs cause faster heart rate, lower blood pressure, and heart issues.
23 citations,
June 1996 in “Toxicology” Older rats more affected by minoxidil's cardiotoxic effects than younger rats.
40 citations,
July 1995 in “Toxicologic Pathology” Minoxidil can harm dog's heart.
6 citations,
May 2020 in “Pharmacology Research & Perspectives” A new gel form of minoxidil is equally effective for hair growth and safer for the heart and other organs than the traditional solution.
144 citations,
March 2013 in “Circulation Research” K_ATP channel gene mutations are linked to heart diseases, but more research is needed to understand the connection and treatment potential.
3 citations,
June 2017 in “Methods” Researchers created a model to understand heart aging, highlighting the role of microRNAs and identifying key genes and pathways involved.
658 citations,
June 2003 in “Endocrine reviews” Male hormones may play a role in the development of heart disease, and more research is needed to understand their effects.
23 citations,
June 2017 in “Rejuvenation Research” Minoxidil treatment increases aorta elasticity and reduces stiffness in aged mice, potentially helping with age-related heart issues.
