The headline “A cardiologist warns: these 5 medications increase the risk of heart attack and stroke in older people” needs some qualification. There isn’t a universal list of five medicines that all older adults should avoid. Some medications can increase cardiovascular risk in particular circumstances, while others are lifesaving and shouldn’t be stopped without medical advice.
Five categories that deserve particular attention are:
NSAID painkillers — such as ibuprofen, naproxen and diclofenac. Long-term or high-dose use can raise blood pressure and increase cardiovascular risk; older adults also have increased risks of kidney injury and gastrointestinal bleeding.
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PubMed Central (PMC)
Aspirin used for primary prevention — Starting aspirin solely to prevent a first heart attack or stroke is generally not recommended in older adults because bleeding risks can outweigh the benefit. This is different from aspirin prescribed after a previous heart attack or stroke.
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PubMed Central (PMC)
Certain antipsychotic medicines — In older adults with dementia, antipsychotics carry important risks, including increased mortality and cardiovascular/cerebrovascular concerns. They should only be used when the benefits clearly outweigh the risks.
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PubMed Central (PMC)
Some medicines that worsen heart failure — NSAIDs and certain drugs such as pioglitazone can promote fluid retention and worsen heart failure. Diltiazem and verapamil should generally be avoided in older adults with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.
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PubMed Central (PMC)
Certain blood-thinning medicines or combinations — These aren’t necessarily “bad” medications, but some combinations can substantially increase bleeding risk in older adults. For example, the Beers Criteria recommends particular caution with prasugrel and ticagrelor in people 75 and older.
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PubMed Central (PMC)
The important distinction
Don’t stop a prescribed heart or blood-pressure medication because of a viral warning. A medication’s risk depends on the person’s age, medical conditions, dose, duration, and what other medicines they’re taking.
If you give me the five specific medications named in the article, I can check each one and separate genuine cardiovascular risks from exaggerated claims.
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