A cardiac surgeon warns: this common pill weakens the hearts of seniors.

Diabetes Medications: Beware of Thiazolidinediones.
For people with type 2 diabetes, a class of medications called thiazolidinediones, including pioglitazone, can silently harm the heart. These pills can cause fluid retention, leg swelling, and even lead to congestive heart failure, particularly in people over 60.

Even more worrying, these pills can mask the early symptoms of heart failure, such as fatigue or shortness of breath. Seniors with diabetes are already at high risk of heart disease, and adding a medication that puts increased strain on the heart creates a dangerous combination.

Sleeping pills and sedatives: nighttime risks.
Many older people rely on sedative hypnotic medications like zolpidem or older drugs like diazepam. These pills slow down the entire nervous system, including heart rate and blood pressure, reducing the body’s ability to respond to stress or oxygen needs during sleep.