Heart surgeon warns: This popular pill weakens the hearts of the elderly

With decades of experience in cardiac surgery, healthcare professionals regularly encounter elderly patients who suffer from chest pain, shortness of breath or sudden fatigue. Often the cause is not simply diet or stress, but medications taken over the years, sometimes even prescribed to relieve another ailment.   Many older adults are unaware that some common medications taken daily by millions of people over the age of 60 can silently damage the heart muscle, raise blood pressure or cause heart rhythm disorders. These medications don’t always cause immediate side effects, but over time they can weaken the heart and shorten life expectancy.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): an underestimated risk

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen and naproxen, are widely used to treat arthritis, joint pain, and back pain in older adults. These medications can increase blood pressure and cause fluid retention, which puts extra strain on the heart.

In people with weakened or aging hearts, this increased pressure can cause heart failure or irregular heartbeat. Over time, NSAIDs can damage blood vessels and impair kidney function, further straining the cardiovascular system.