A cardiologist warns: these 5 medications increase the risk of heart attack and stroke in older people

High blood pressure
Blood-clot risk
Heart-muscle injury
Abnormal heart rhythms
Changes in blood vessels

These treatments are often medically necessary and potentially lifesaving, so this is not a reason to avoid them.

Instead, doctors may monitor:

Blood pressure
Heart rhythm
Heart function
Blood tests
Symptoms such as chest pain or breathlessness

The exact cardiovascular risk varies greatly from one drug to another.

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What About Common Blood-Pressure Medicines?

A frequent source of confusion online is the idea that blood-pressure medication itself commonly causes heart attacks or strokes.

In reality, treating high blood pressure generally reduces cardiovascular risk.

Medicines such as:

ACE inhibitors
ARBs
Calcium channel blockers
Beta blockers
Diuretics

are often prescribed specifically to protect the heart, brain, kidneys, and blood vessels.

Stopping them suddenly can sometimes be dangerous.

If a blood-pressure medicine causes dizziness, swelling, fatigue, or other side effects, discuss adjusting the treatment rather than abandoning it.

What About Statins?