A heart surgeon warns: this popular pill weakens the hearts of older people.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): an underestimated risk.
NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, are widely used to treat arthritis, joint pain, and back pain in older adults. These medications can raise blood pressure and cause water retention, putting extra strain on the heart.

In people with weakened or aging hearts, this extra strain can lead to heart failure or arrhythmias. In the long term, NSAIDs can damage blood vessels and impair kidney function, further burdening the cardiovascular system.

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