A cardiologist warns: these 5 medications increase the risk of heart attack and stroke in older people

with cardiovascular disease should check with a pharmacist or doctor before routinely using oral decongestants.

3. Some Hormone Treatments

Certain hormone-containing medications can affect the risk of blood clot formation.

Depending on the formulation and individual risk factors, estrogen-containing therapies may increase the likelihood of venous blood clots and, in selected people, stroke or other cardiovascular complications.

Risk is influenced by factors such as: