A cardiologist warns: these 5 medications increase the risk of heart attack and stroke in older people

According to the FDA, older adults can be more vulnerable to medication side effects because kidney and liver function may change with age.

FDA

Five medication groups worth reviewing with a doctor

These are examples of medicines that may pose cardiovascular or related risks in certain older adults—not a verified list from the cardiologist in your headline.

1. NSAID painkillers — such as ibuprofen and diclofenac. These can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, particularly with higher doses or prolonged use.

2. Decongestants — such as pseudoephedrine. They can raise blood pressure and heart rate, which may be a concern for people with hypertension or heart disease.

3. Certain diabetes medicines — some can cause low blood sugar, which may be particularly dangerous in older adults. The cardiovascular risks differ substantially between medicines.

4. Certain hormonal medications — some estrogen-containing treatments can increase blood clot or stroke risk, depending on the formulation and individual circumstances.

5. Some prescription combinations — interactions involving blood thinners, heart medicines, or other drugs can increase bleeding or cause dangerously slow or irregular heart rhythms.

Important: Do not stop prescribed medication on the basis of a headline. For example, aspirin may prevent another heart attack or stroke in people with established cardiovascular disease, although starting it routinely for prevention in older adults can carry significant bleeding risks.

FDA

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Would you like me to identify the exact five medications mentioned in the article?

If you share the article link, the cardiologist’s name, or a screenshot of the headline, I can check the original claim and distinguish established risks from exaggerated warnings.