At Opti Laboratories, our team of doctors has seen many clients come to us after noticing changes in their eyelashes or eyebrows while taking medicines for heart disease, or to control blood pressure or cholesterol levels. These drugs are essential and often life-saving, but they can sometimes bring side effects that affect hair growth. Because we specialise in lashes and brows, we are well placed to explain what’s happening and what can be done to support regrowth. This article is designed to answer the most common questions we hear, to dispel myths, and to share practical, science-backed advice.
Not all cardiovascular drugs have this side effect, but some are more strongly linked to lash and brow thinning:
Anticoagulants (blood thinners such as warfarin, heparin)
These reduce the blood’s ability to clot but they can sometimes trigger shedding lashes and brows on rare occasions.
Beta-blockers (such as propranolol or atenolol)
Prescribed for high blood pressure, arrhythmias, and heart failure. These may shift more hairs into the “resting” (telogen) phase, leading to a generalised thinning known as telogen effluvium.
Statins (such as simvastatin, or atorvastatin)
These medications are occasionally linked to hair shedding, including thinning of lashes and brows.
Will my eyelashes and eyebrows grow back if they’ve thinned while on heart medication?
In most cases, yes. If the drug remains necessary, the shedding often stabilises with time.
Why does a heart or blood pressure tablet affect my lashes or brows?
These drugs can change circulation, hormone signals, or the natural growth cycle of hair. Hair follicles, including those of the brows and lashes, are highly sensitive to systemic changes.
Is the loss permanent?
Permanent lash or brow loss from these drugs is very rare. Most people experience temporary thinning that improves once the body adjusts or the medication is changed.
Can I stop my medication to save my lashes and brows?
No. It is very important not to stop or change your prescribed medication without medical advice from your own doctor that prescribed the treatment. Heart and blood pressure medicines are prescribed for serious health conditions, and the benefits far outweigh the cosmetic side effects. Always discuss any issue with your prescribing doctor as there may be safe alternatives or supportive measures to help.
What can I do to encourage eyelash regrowth or eyebrow regrowth while on these medications?
Focus on nutrition by ensuring a balanced, healthy diet with an adequate intake of iron, vitamin D, biotin, and zinc.
Consider proven treatments such as bimatoprost, which has clinical evidence for stimulating lash and brow growth.
Use serums and products that support follicle health.
For those who notice persistent thinning, bimatoprost 0.03% has good evidence for enhancing lash and brow density, length, and pigmentation. While most people on cardiovascular drugs will see some degree of natural regrowth, bimatoprost can accelerate this process and push growth beyond baseline.
Eyelash and eyebrow loss from heart or blood pressure medication can be frustrating, but it is almost always temporary and manageable. The most important message is this: never stop or alter your heart medication because of lash or brow changes. Always discuss your concerns with your doctor first.
At Opti Laboratories, we combine medical knowledge with years of experience in lash and brow recovery, offering guidance and scientifically proven treatments to help clients regain both their natural beauty and their confidence.
If you have concerns about eyelash loss or eyebrow loss from medication, please get in touch with our team. We are here to help.