00:00Millions rely on it for pain relief.
00:02But new research says this common drug could be putting hearts at risk.
00:06Pregabalin, often given for nerve pain, anxiety, and epilepsy,
00:10has now been linked to a shocking 48% higher chance of heart failure.
00:14And for those with heart disease, that risk jumps to an alarming 85%.
00:19Scientists tracked over 246,000 older patients for four years.
00:24They found that for every thousand taking pregabalin,
00:27six extra cases of heart failure appeared each year.
00:30Experts warn the drug may unmask hidden heart problems, especially in older adults.
00:35The NHS already lists side effects like hallucinations, weight gain,
00:39and even severe allergic reactions.
00:42Now, heart health is in the spotlight.
00:44Doctors are being urged to weigh the benefits against these new dangers.
00:48Because once heart failure starts, there's no cure.
00:51This could mean big changes in how millions are treated for chronic pain.
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