Over 60 and Concerned About Heart Health? 5 Types of Pills Worth Reviewing With Your Doctor
Getting older doesn’t automatically mean you need more heart medications. But after 60, it’s a good idea to periodically review why you’re taking each medication, whether it’s still appropriate, and whether the benefits outweigh the risks.
Here are five common medication categories worth discussing with your healthcare professional:
1. 💊 Blood-pressure medicines
Drugs such as ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium-channel blockers, beta blockers, and diuretics may be prescribed when blood pressure or another heart condition warrants treatment.
The right medication depends on your blood pressure, kidney function, other conditions, and existing medications.
2. 🩸 Statins
Statins such as atorvastatin or rosuvastatin lower LDL cholesterol and can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in people who are appropriate candidates.
Whether you need one—and how intensive treatment should be—depends on your cardiovascular risk and medical history.
