The risk of heart attack and stroke is dangerously high for women who take antibiotics for a long time, according to a new study.
Researchers found the risk of heart disease was greater for women who are over the age of 60, who take antibiotics for two months or more. However, the team also discovered the chances of developing cardiovascular disease was just as high for women over 40 who take antibiotics long-term. The results were not the same for younger adults between the ages of 20 and 39.
Researchers speculate women who take antibiotics are at an increased risk of heart disease because antibiotics can change the balance of the micro-environment in the gut. "Antibiotic use is the most critical factor in altering the balance of microorganisms in the gut," Lu Qi, director of the Tulane University (US), told a news portal. Adding, "Previous studies have shown a link between alterations in the microbiotic environment of the gut and inflammation and narrowing of the blood vessels, stroke and heart disease."
For the study, the team examined data of almost 36,429 women, who part in the Nurses' Health Study. Researchers investigated information from 2004 to June 2012. In 2004, women who were above 60 provided information on their use of antibiotics as young adults (20-30), middle age (40-59) and as a senior (above 60).
Based on the responses, the women were put in one of four groups:
1. Never taken antibiotics
2. Taken antibiotics for less than 15 days
3. Taken for more than 15 days to two months
4. Taken for two months or longer
In addition to this data, women also completed complete questionnaires every two years over a span of eight years. In this time, close to 1,056 participants developed cardiovascular disease. The women who used antibiotics for more than two months or in middle age were 28 per cent more likely to develop heart disease. "By investigating the duration of antibiotic use in various stages of adulthood we have found an association between long-term use in middle age and later life and an increased risk of stroke and heart disease during the following eight years," Yoriko Heianza, a research fellow at Tulane University, told a news portal.
However, Qi notes this an observational study and therefore cannot say for sure of antibiotics is the cause of heart disease in women. "It's possible that women who reported more antibiotic use might be sicker in other ways that we were unable to measure, or there may be other factors that could affect the results that we have not been able take account of," Qi told a news portal. Adding, "Our study suggests that antibiotics should be used only when they are absolutely needed. Considering the potentially cumulative adverse effects, the shorter time of antibiotic use the better."
The study's findings were originally published in the European Heart Journal.
