5 Medication Types That May Raise Heart Attack or Stroke Risk in Older Adults
The headline is too broad if it suggests these medicines are always dangerous. Many are useful and appropriate when prescribed correctly. Risk depends on the drug, dose, duration, other medicines, and a person’s heart, kidney, and blood-pressure health. Older adults are also more susceptible to medication interactions and side effects. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
1. NSAID painkillers đź’Š
Examples include ibuprofen, naproxen, and diclofenac. Non-aspirin NSAIDs can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, with risk tending to increase at higher doses and with longer use. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
2. Decongestants
Medicines containing ingredients such as pseudoephedrine can raise blood pressure and may be problematic for people with cardiovascular disease or uncontrolled hypertension. Older adults should check with a healthcare professional before using them. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
3. Certain stimulants
Some prescription stimulant medicines can increase heart rate and blood pressure and require particular caution in people with cardiovascular conditions.
4. Some hormone-containing medicines
Certain estrogen-containing therapies can increase the risk of blood clots and stroke in some people. Whether they’re appropriate depends on age, medical history, formulation, and the reason they’re being used.
5. Aspirin—when taken without medical advice
Aspirin can reduce heart attack and clot-related stroke risk in people who have established cardiovascular disease, but daily aspirin isn’t appropriate for everyone. It can cause serious bleeding, including gastrointestinal or brain bleeding. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
⚠️ Don’t stop prescribed medication on your own
A medicine appearing on a “dangerous medications” list doesn’t mean you should stop taking it. Suddenly stopping some medications can itself be harmful. Instead, ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your complete medication list—including over-the-counter medicines and supplements. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
Seek emergency care for symptoms such as chest pain, severe shortness of breath, sudden one-sided weakness/numbness, or sudden difficulty speaking, as these can indicate a heart attack or stroke. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
