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 additional strain on the heart.
In people with weakened or aging hearts, this added pressure can cause heart failure or irregular heartbeats. Over time, NSAIDs can damage blood vessels and impair kidney function, further straining the cardiovascular system.
In people with type 2 diabetes, a group of drugs called thiazolidinediones, including pioglitazone, can silently damage the heart. These pills can cause fluid buildup, leg swelling, and even congestive heart failure, especially in people over 60.Even more concerning, these pills can mask early symptoms of heart failure, such as fatigue or shortness of breath. Seniors with diabetes are already at high risk for heart disease, and adding a medication that strains the heart becomes a dangerous combination.
