Some commonly used medications may affect blood pressure, heart rhythm, or cardiovascular risk, especially in older adults. Learn why medication reviews become important after age 60 and which warning signs require medical attention.
Cardiologists Issue Warning: This Common Medication May Increase Heart Risks After Age 60
As we get older, medications that were once well tolerated can sometimes affect the body differently.
After age 60, changes in kidney and liver function, blood pressure, metabolism, and sensitivity to medications can increase the likelihood of side effects or drug interactions.
That’s why doctors often recommend reviewing medications regularly rather than assuming that a prescription or over-the-counter medicine is automatically safe simply because you’ve taken it for years.
But there’s an important point behind the alarming headline:
There isn’t one single “common medication” that is dangerous for everyone over 60. The risk depends on the specific drug, dose, health conditions, and other medications a person takes.
Why Medication Risks Can Change With Age
As people age, the body may process medications differently.
A drug can remain in the body longer or have a stronger effect than it did years earlier.
This can be particularly important for people with:
High blood pressure
Heart disease
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Diabetes
Abnormal heart rhythms
A history of falls or dizziness
Taking several medications at the same time can also increase the possibility of interactions.
Some Medicines Can Affect Blood Pressure
Certain medications can raise or lower blood pressure.
For example, some decongestants used for colds can increase blood pressure and heart rate. Some pain relievers, particularly certain NSAIDs, can also contribute to fluid retention and may worsen blood pressure in susceptible people.
That doesn’t mean everyone needs to avoid these medications.
It means people with cardiovascular conditions should ask a healthcare professional or pharmacist whether a particular medicine is appropriate for them.
Some Medications Can Affect Heart Rhythm
Certain prescription and nonprescription medicines can influence the heart’s electrical activity.
In susceptible people, this can contribute to abnormal heart rhythms.
The risk can be higher when several medications with similar effects are combined or when someone has electrolyte abnormalities or kidney problems.
Never stop a prescribed medication simply because you read that it may affect heart rhythm.
Talk to the prescriber first.
NSAID Painkillers Deserve Attention
Common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can be useful for pain and inflammation.
However, these medicines can increase cardiovascular risk in some people, particularly with higher doses or prolonged use.
They can also affect kidney function and contribute to fluid retention.
People with heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney problems, or a history of stomach bleeding should discuss regular NSAID use with a healthcare professional.
What About Aspirin?
Aspirin is another medication that requires context.
Low-dose aspirin can be appropriate for certain people who already have cardiovascular disease, because it can reduce the risk of some heart attacks and strokes.
But taking aspirin routinely for the first time simply because you’re over 60 isn’t automatically recommended.
For people without established cardiovascular disease, the potential benefit of preventing a first cardiovascular event has to be weighed against the increased risk of serious bleeding.
Never start or stop daily aspirin without discussing it with your healthcare professional.
Don’t Forget Over-the-Counter Medicines
A common mistake is assuming that over-the-counter products are automatically harmless.
Cold medicines, painkillers, sleep aids, antacids, and herbal products can all interact with prescription medications or affect blood pressure, heart rate, kidney function, or bleeding risk.
That’s why it’s useful to keep an updated list of everything you take, including:
Prescription medicines
OTC medications
Vitamins
Herbal supplements
Minerals
Occasional medications
Bring the list to medical appointments.
Warning Signs That Need Urgent Attention
If you’re taking medication and develop symptoms such as:
Chest pressure or pain
Severe shortness of breath
Fainting
A very fast or irregular heartbeat
Sudden severe weakness
New confusion
Signs of a serious allergic reaction
seek urgent medical care.
Don’t assume that a new symptom is simply a normal part of aging.
Should You Stop a Medication?
No—not based on an online article alone.
Some medications protect the heart and can be extremely important for preventing heart attacks, strokes, and other complications.
Stopping certain drugs suddenly can actually be dangerous.
Instead, ask your doctor or pharmacist:
“Are all of my medications still appropriate for me, given my age and current health?”
A professional medication review can identify unnecessary drugs, potentially dangerous combinations, duplicate treatments, and doses that may need adjustment.
The Bottom Line
After 60, medication safety becomes increasingly important—but the answer isn’t to fear every common medicine.
The real issue is individual risk.
Your age, medical history, kidney and liver function, dose, duration of treatment, and other medications all matter.
Don’t stop a prescribed medication because of a scary headline. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your medications and explain the benefits and risks specific to you.