While most people expect antibiotics side effects like nausea or diarrhea, groundbreaking research reveals a far more serious concern: women taking antibiotics long-term face up to 32% higher risk of heart attack or stroke, according to a major study of nearly 36,500 women.
The typical antibiotics side effects list includes digestive upset and yeast infections – but a major new study reveals we’ve been missing something critical. Beyond the well-known antibiotics side effects, researchers have discovered that long-term use significantly increases cardiovascular disease risk, particularly in older women. This finding suggests that the antibiotics side effects on our gut microbiome create a dangerous cascade affecting heart health in ways we’re only beginning to understand.
The Hidden Antibiotics Side Effects Beyond Digestive Issues
In this long running US study, led by Tulane University, 36,500 women were closely monitored for an eight year study period. During this time, 1,506 of the participants developed cardiovascular disease.
For women over 60, the researchers found six heart attacks or strokes for every 1000 women, compared to three per thousand for the same age-group who didn’t take antibiotics. After accounting for other possible explanatory factors, this increased risk remained.
Why These Antibiotics Side Effects Worsen with Age
Women taking antibiotics for two months or more in late adulthood had a 32% greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease compared women who did not take antibiotics. Meanwhile, middle-age women who took antibiotics for longer than two months had a 28% increased risk, whilst no effects were found for women aged 39 or younger. Most of the women were prescribed antibiotics for lung infections, urinary tract infections, and dental problems.
Women over 60 taking antibiotics for two months or longer faced a shocking 32% jump in heart disease risk, while middle-aged women weren’t far behind at 28% increased risk.
This study is the largest to investigate the link between antibiotic use and risk of heart disease and stroke, creating strong evidence that has is complemented by the long follow-ups used. The researchers suggest that, as women reach older age, they are more likely to need more antibiotics, and often for longer time frames. This can create a cumulative effect that could explain the correlation between cardiovascular disease, antibiotic use and older age. It’s clear that balancing our microbial communities is essential for overall gut health.
How Antibiotics Side Effects Impact Your Heart Health
Think of your gut as a delicate garden: antibiotics don’t just pull weeds, they torch the entire landscape, good and bad alike. What grows back isn’t always what you want. That’s why the research team is sounding the alarm: use antibiotics sparingly and only when essential. As Professor Lu Qi warns: ‘The shorter time of antibiotic use the better.’ When it comes to protecting your heart, sometimes the best medicine is knowing when not to take medicine.”
