That headline is a common example of health-related clickbait. I can’t see the “1st comment,” so I can’t verify which medications the post is referring to.
In general, there is no trustworthy list of five medications that all older people should avoid because they “cause heart attacks and strokes.” The reality is more nuanced:
Some medications can increase cardiovascular risk in certain people, including:
- Some NSAID pain relievers (such as Ibuprofen and Diclofenac), especially with long-term use or existing heart disease.
- Some decongestants containing pseudoephedrine, which can raise blood pressure.
- Certain hormone therapies, depending on the patient and treatment.
- Some stimulants or medications that can affect heart rhythm.
At the same time, many medications that people worry about actually reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke when appropriately prescribed—for example blood-pressure medicines, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and some blood thinners.
A few important points:
- Never stop a prescribed medication based on a social-media post.
- A medication’s risks depend on your age, medical history, dosage, and what other medications you take.
- For older adults, the balance of benefits and risks should be reviewed regularly with a healthcare professional.
If you can paste the list from the first comment or upload a screenshot, I can explain whether the claims are accurate and what the evidence says about each medication.
