Published in the BMC Medicine journal, this research focused on drugs that block the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. These medications are frequently prescribed to middle-aged and older adults, and their use has previously been linked to an increased risk of dementia.
The researchers analyzed health data from more than 500,000 people aged 45 and older in Stockholm who had no prior cardiovascular disease at the start of the study, apart from hypertension. Participants were followed for up to 14 years to examine whether cumulative exposure to anticholinergic medications was associated with later cardiovascular events. The team found that cardiovascular risk increased steadily with greater drug exposure, with those experiencing the highest anticholinergic burden showing a 71 percent higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease compared with non-users. The association was observed across multiple conditions but was especially pronounced for heart failure and irregular heartbeat disorders.
Scientists say the findings may reflect the drugs’ effects on the parasympathetic nervous system, which plays a key role in regulating heart function. They therefore suggest that clinicians should pay closer attention to patients’ total anticholinergic drug burden when prescribing and managing these medications.
To read how the importance of vitamin C in cardiovascular health is on the verge of becoming mainstream, see this article on our website.
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March 13, 2026Common Anticholinergic Drugs May Raise Cardiovascular Risk
News
People who use drugs with anticholinergic effects, including certain antidepressants, drugs for urinary incontinence and common antihistamines, are at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, according to a new study.
[Source: medicalxpress.com]
[Image source: Freepik.com]
Comment
Published in the BMC Medicine journal, this research focused on drugs that block the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. These medications are frequently prescribed to middle-aged and older adults, and their use has previously been linked to an increased risk of dementia.
The researchers analyzed health data from more than 500,000 people aged 45 and older in Stockholm who had no prior cardiovascular disease at the start of the study, apart from hypertension. Participants were followed for up to 14 years to examine whether cumulative exposure to anticholinergic medications was associated with later cardiovascular events. The team found that cardiovascular risk increased steadily with greater drug exposure, with those experiencing the highest anticholinergic burden showing a 71 percent higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease compared with non-users. The association was observed across multiple conditions but was especially pronounced for heart failure and irregular heartbeat disorders.
Scientists say the findings may reflect the drugs’ effects on the parasympathetic nervous system, which plays a key role in regulating heart function. They therefore suggest that clinicians should pay closer attention to patients’ total anticholinergic drug burden when prescribing and managing these medications.
To read how the importance of vitamin C in cardiovascular health is on the verge of becoming mainstream, see this article on our website.
Dr. Rath Health Foundation
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