If you’re fact-checking this headline, it needs qualification. There isn’t a universal list of five medications that “cause” heart attacks or strokes in all older people. Risk depends on the medication, dose, duration, existing cardiovascular disease, blood pressure, and drug interactions. Older adults are also more vulnerable to medication-related adverse effects.
U
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
+1
5 Medication Groups That May Increase Cardiovascular Risk
Non-aspirin NSAIDs — including ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, and celecoxib. These can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, with risk potentially appearing early and increasing with higher doses or longer use.
U
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
+1
Decongestants — such as pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine can raise blood pressure and may be particularly problematic for people with hypertension or heart disease.
W
www.heart.org
Certain corticosteroids — prolonged or high-dose use can contribute to high blood pressure, blood-sugar changes, and other cardiovascular risk factors.
Some antipsychotic medications — certain drugs in this class carry warnings about increased cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risks in vulnerable older adults.
Certain medications or combinations that raise blood pressure or cause fluid retention — the effect depends heavily on the person’s underlying heart and kidney health and other medicines they’re taking.
What about aspirin?
Interestingly, aspirin shouldn’t simply be put on a “dangerous medications” list. It can reduce the risk of another heart attack or clot-related stroke in appropriately selected patients, but it also increases the risk of serious bleeding. Whether an older person should take daily aspirin requires an individualized medical decision.
U
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
+1
Never stop a prescribed cardiovascular medication without speaking to your doctor. If you’re concerned about a particular medicine, tell me its name and dose, and I can explain its cardiovascular risks and safer alternatives to discuss with your doctor.
U
W
Sources
