#Medications

A prominent New York cardiologist has sounded the alarm on a silent risk lurking in the medication cabinets of millions: phthalates—chemicals used to make soft gel capsules—may significantly increase the risk of heart attacks, according to new research and expert warning. This revelation, which directly affects commonly used medications such as pain relievers, multivitamins, stool softeners, and cold remedies, is poised to raise concern among medicine users globally and in Thailand, where health awareness continues to rise and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals remain readily accessible.

A leading New York cardiologist warns that phthalates—chemicals used to soften gel capsules—may raise the risk of heart attacks. This finding affects everyday medicines such as pain relievers, multivitamins, stool softeners, and cold remedies. The message is timely for Thai readers as over-the-counter medicines are widely available and health awareness grows across the country.

Phthalates, also known as plasticizers, are added to many products to provide flexibility. They are present in a range of items from children’s toys to food packaging, and crucially, in the shells of many oral medications. A senior cardiologist at Mount Sinai notes that phthalates in medical capsules can trigger arterial inflammation and oxidative stress, accelerating artery hardening and narrowing—processes linked to heart disease. A cautious interpretation comes from recent reporting and ongoing research, underscoring the need for careful handling of medicines.