Antibiotics increase the risk of heart attack and stroke in older women

A recently published study found that long-term use of antibiotics would increase the risk of heart attack and stroke in older women. According to the research report, taking antibiotics for two months or more will literally increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in women over the age of 60.

Interestingly, the researchers noted that prolonged use of antibiotics would not have an impact on the cardiovascular health of young adults aged 20 to 39 years.

In the study report, the researchers suggested that antibiotics are responsible for altering the balance of the microenvironment in the intestine and that this could increase the risk of cardiovascular disorders.

"The use of antibiotics is the most critical factor in modifying the balance of microorganisms in the intestine. Previous studies have shown a link between alterations in the intestinal tract. microbiota environment in the intestine and inflammation and narrowing of blood vessels, strokes and heart disease, "said Lu Qi, director of Tulane University in the United States, in a statement recent.

During the study, the researchers badyzed the health record of 36,429 women who participated in the US Nurses Health Study since 1976. This study used women's health data from 2004 to 2012.

The follow-up of these women's medical records revealed that older women taking antibiotics for more than two months were 32% more likely to develop cardiovascular disorders than women who did not use antibiotics.

It should also be noted that women who took antibiotics at an average age (40 to 59 years) for more than two months also developed risks of developing cardiovascular disease by 28% compared to other women who did not use antibiotics.

"In studying the duration of the use of antibiotics at different stages of adulthood, we found a link between long-term use at middle and later ages and a increased risk of stroke and heart disease over the next eight years, "said Yoriko Heianza, a researcher at Tulane University.

However, Qi made it clear that it was only an observational study and that it was not wise to conclude that antibiotics are responsible for seizures heart.

"This is an observational study and therefore can not show that antibiotics are at the origin of heart disease and stroke, but simply that there is a link between them." that women who report using more antibiotics are sicker in some other way that we have not been able to measure, or there may be other factors that could affect the results and we have not been able to take it into account, "Qi said.

A few weeks ago, another study report published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology had suggested that edible marijuana was able to increase the risk of cardiovascular disorders in the elderly. This research report came at a crucial time when the concept of legalizing marijuana is sweeping across the United States.