The study revealed that this medication, commonly prescribed for chronic nerve pain, anxiety, and epilepsy, may increase health risks, especially in the elderly, according to ‘Medscape’. Pregabalin works by alleviating pain through inhibiting pain signals in the brain and spinal cord. However, researchers found that its use is associated with a 48% increased risk of heart failure in older adults, and this risk rises to 85% for those with a history of heart disease.
The study, whose results were published in a British journal, was based on the analysis of data from over 246,000 patients aged between 65 and 89, who suffer from non-cancer-related pain and have no prior history of heart failure. Over four years of monitoring, 1,470 patients were hospitalized due to heart failure. The results indicated that pregabalin use is linked to approximately six additional cases of heart failure annually per 1,000 people compared to non-users.
Researchers explained that patients taking the medication are about 1.5 times more likely to develop heart failure, a serious condition where the heart cannot efficiently pump blood, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, limb swelling, and persistent coughing. This condition is increasingly common among the elderly, particularly heart attack survivors, and there is no cure, as it worsens over time.
Researchers urged doctors to exercise caution when prescribing pregabalin to older adults, especially those with heart conditions, given the steady increase in the medication’s use for chronic pain relief in this age group. They called for further research to confirm these findings and ensure patient safety.
