New Study Links Melatonin and Heart Failure
A recent study analyzing health records of tens of thousands of adults with chronic insomnia found that those prescribed melatonin for over a year had an increased risk of heart failure within five years compared to nonusers, the American Heart Association announced on Monday.
Key Findings
- Melatonin users were more likely to be hospitalized for heart failure.
- They also had a higher overall mortality rate than those who did not take the supplement.
Expert Reactions
Despite these findings, experts in sleep medicine and cardiology caution against making sudden changes to melatonin use. The study has not yet undergone peer review, and specialists emphasize the need for further research on long-term melatonin consumption.
The American Heart Association explained, "These preliminary results appear to contradict previous research suggesting melatonin's potential health benefits for people with heart failure."
Conference Presentation
The results were shared in a research abstract intended for the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions, a major cardiovascular science and medicine conference.
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Summary: A new, not yet peer-reviewed study links long-term melatonin use to increased heart failure risk, but experts advise caution and call for more research before drawing conclusions.