Headlines like “A cardiologist warns: these 5 medications increase the risk of heart attack and stroke in older people” often oversimplify a complex topic. No medication should be stopped based on an online article alone, because the benefits may outweigh the risks for a particular person.
That said, some medications or medication groups are known to require extra caution in older adults or in people with cardiovascular disease:
- NSAID pain relievers
- Examples: ibuprofen, diclofenac, and some prescription anti-inflammatory drugs.
- These can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke in some people, particularly with higher doses or long-term use. They can also raise blood pressure.
- Some hormone therapies
- Certain estrogen-containing hormone therapies may increase the risk of blood clots and stroke in some people, depending on age, timing, and medical history.
- Certain decongestants
- Ingredients such as pseudoephedrine can raise blood pressure and heart rate, which may not be appropriate for people with some heart conditions.
- Some stimulant medications
- Medications used for conditions such as ADHD can increase heart rate and blood pressure in some people and may require monitoring.
- Some diabetes medications
- Cardiovascular effects vary by medication. Some older drugs may carry different risks than newer ones, so treatment should be individualized.
Important points
- Don’t stop a prescribed medication without talking to your healthcare professional. Suddenly stopping some medicines can increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
- Your overall risk depends on many factors, including age, blood pressure, diabetes, kidney function, smoking, and the other medications you take.
If you saw this in a video or article, tell me which five medications it listed, and I can explain what the evidence actually says about each one.
