Antiseizure Medications and Their Differing Effects on Cardiovascular Risk

This review discusses the differing effects of enzyme-inducing and non-inducing antiseizure medications on cardiovascular risk and their implications for the management strategies of epilepsy patients. Traditional risk markers, including low density lipoprotein, high density lipoprotein and triglycerides, can be altered by both enzyme induction and inhibition. Other markers of vascular risk, including c-reactive protein, non-high-density lipoprotein and homocysteine, are affected by antiseizure medications, although adults and children may have different responses. The overall atherosclerotic risk picture is more complex due to indirect effects such as neuroendocrine function and the metabolic syndrome. Large scale data shows an evolving understanding of cardiovascular risk. Long term risks of enzyme inducing antiseizure medications and valproic acid are apparent when studies examine medications individually. Finally, effects of antiseizure medications on cardiac rhythm and possibly autonomic control are discussed with respect to their clinical relevance to the practicing clinician.