Especially in people who are already suffering from cardiovascular disease.
Aging promotes the occurrence of pain. Some bearable, others much less. Faced with this situation, doctors can prescribe analgesic drugs for the elderly. When the most classic are no longer enough, they go to so -called “second intention” treatments. Some are not without risk for the hearts of patients as shown in a new study published in August 2025 in the scientific journal Jama Network Open.
American researchers have analyzed data of more than 246,000 insured people aged 65 to 89, followed between 2015 and 2018. All had chronic (non -cancerous) pain and were newly treated with two distinct painkillers. At the end of the study, the risk of hospitalization or transition to emergencies for heart failure was significantly “Increase” in one of the two groups studied. In people who were already suffering from cardiovascular disease, the probability of developing heart failure increased even more markedly.
The two drugs tested were pregabalin and gabapentine. “Heart insufficiency was higher in new pregabalin users” share experts in their publication. According to the results, around six additional cases of heart failure for 1,000 patients treated each year with pregabalin were identified compared to the other medication. A significant risk, especially in an elderly and fragile population.
Pregabalin acts on the brain by blocking certain doors of neurons, called calcium channels. When these doors are closed, the nerves send less signals which soothes the pain. These calcium channels are also present in the heart. By influencing their functioning, pregabalin can cause water retention, swelling and weakening the heart pump. This is why, in some elderly or already fragile of the heart, this medication can increase the risk of heart failure. The study authors invite doctors to prescribe pregabalin “With caution in elderly patients with non -cancerous chronic pain”. In France, its prescription under the name of Lyrica® and Generics is limited to 6 months. Its taking should never be stopped suddenly without medical advice.
