If you’re referring to the headline “Over 60 and concerned about heart health? 5 common pills worth reviewing with your doctor,” the important point is that these aren’t necessarily “bad” medicines. They are medications that can deserve a periodic review, especially as people age and accumulate multiple prescriptions. The AHA notes that polypharmacy is common in cardiovascular care and can increase adverse effects and drug interactions.
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1. Aspirin
Daily low-dose aspirin is not automatically appropriate for everyone over 60. For people who have already had a heart attack or certain types of stroke, aspirin may be an important part of secondary prevention. But using aspirin for the first prevention of cardiovascular disease requires careful consideration because bleeding risk increases with age.
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Ask: “Am I taking aspirin because I have established cardiovascular disease, or simply to prevent a first event?”
Don’t stop prescribed aspirin without discussing it with your clinician.
2. Statins
Examples include atorvastatin, rosuvastatin and simvastatin.
Statins remain an important treatment for people at appropriate cardiovascular risk. The 2026 ACC/AHA dyslipidemia guideline now recommends individualized risk assessment and continues to place LDL-lowering therapy at the center of prevention. For adults over 75, treatment can still be considered, but the decision should take into account overall health, other illnesses, life expectancy and treatment preferences.
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Ask: “What is my current cardiovascular risk, LDL level and treatment goal, and is my present statin dose still appropriate?”
3. Blood-pressure medicines
Common examples include amlodipine, lisinopril, losartan, hydrochlorothiazide and beta-blockers.
These drugs can be extremely beneficial when indicated. But blood pressure targets and medication needs can change, particularly if someone develops dizziness, falls, kidney problems, or consistently low readings.
The current AHA/ACC guideline generally targets below 130/80 mm Hg, while emphasizing individualized management in people with particular circumstances.
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Ask: “Are my home blood-pressure readings appropriate, or am I being treated more aggressively than I need?”
4. NSAID painkillers
Examples include ibuprofen and naproxen.
These aren’t heart medicines, but they’re important to review because regular NSAID use can affect blood pressure, kidneys and cardiovascular risk, and can interact with other medications.
If you’re taking one frequently for arthritis or another chronic pain problem, tell your doctor or pharmacist.
5. Supplements and OTC products
This category is easy to overlook. “Natural” products can still interact with cardiovascular medications. The National Institute on Aging s
