5 Medication Groups Older Adults Should for every older person, and some are lifesaving. Risk depends on the drug, dose, medical conditions, and what other medicines are being taken Use With Caution
The headline “these medications increase the risk of heart attack and stroke” is too broad. Most medicines aren’t inherently dangerous for every older person, and some are lifesaving. Risk depends on the drug, dose, medical conditions, and what other medicines are being taken.
Five medication groups that deserve particular attention are:
- NSAID painkillers — medicines such as ibuprofen and naproxen can raise blood pressure and, especially with higher doses or longer use, increase cardiovascular risk in some people.
- Certain decongestants — pseudoephedrine and similar stimulants can raise blood pressure and heart rate and may be inappropriate for some people with cardiovascular disease.
- Some diabetes medicines — cardiovascular effects vary considerably by drug. Some newer medicines actually reduce cardiovascular risk, while others require individualized assessment.
- Certain hormone therapies — some estrogen-containing therapies can increase the risk of blood clots and stroke, depending on the formulation and individual risk factors.
- Some antipsychotic medications — in older adults with dementia, these drugs carry important warnings about increased risk of stroke and mortality and should only be used when the benefits clearly outweigh the risks.
The important part
Don’t stop any prescribed medicine because of a headline. Suddenly discontinuing certain medications can itself cause serious problems.
If you’re older and take several medications, a medication review with your doctor or pharmacist is often more useful than avoiding an entire drug category. They can check for interactions, duplicate medicines, inappropriate doses, and safer alternatives.
If you give me the names of the medications you’re taking, I can explain the cardiovascular risks and the important interactions for each one.
