Over-the-counter drugs are most people’s go-to solution for the relief of aches, mild fever, a blocked nose, and other symptoms of the flu or a seasonal cold.
Such medicines include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, and decongestants that include pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine.
While these drugs are typically safe to take as long as you follow the recommended dosages, specialists from the American Heart Association (AHA) and other institutions warn that they could worsen the cardiovascular health of certain at-risk individuals.
