Black Cohosh: An Uncommon Culprit of Bradycardia in Postmenopausal Women

Cureus. 2024 Mar 11;16(3):e55984. doi: 10.7759/cureus.55984. eCollection 2024 Mar.

Abstract

The use of herbal supplements has become increasingly prevalent, with black cohosh (BC) gaining popularity for managing menopausal symptoms. However, reports of adverse effects associated with BC are limited. We present a case of bradycardia linked to prolonged BC ingestion. A 76-year-old postmenopausal woman who has been taking BC for years has had syncopal attacks multiple times during the past years associated with bradycardia with the heart rate dropping to 30 beats/minute with no identifiable cause. Discontinuation of BC resulted in a gradual resolution of bradycardia, highlighting a plausible association. There were no additional pharmacological or invasive interventions required.

Keywords: cardiac arrythmia; drug induced bradycardia; heart arrythmia; left axis deviation.; post-menopause; sinus bradycardia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports