Common pain relievers raise heart risk for healthy people

Healthy people who take nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve minor pains and aches may raise their risk of dying from heart-related problems. This is suggested in a new Danish study presented in the July issue of Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.

The new study is the first to show the same kind of increased risk among people without cardiac problems. “Very few studies have been designed to answer the important questions: Do NSAIDs also increase the cardiovascular risk among healthy people who use these drugs for minor complaints? This study is the first to confirm that the cardiovascular risk is indeed increased when healthy individuals use some of the drugs.”, Dr. Emil L. Fosbol, lead author and cardiologis at Gentofte University Hospital in Hellerup says. NSAIDs includes ibuprofen (brand named Motrin and Advil) and diclofenac.

Participants in the study, whose average age was over 39 and used ibuprofen, had a 29% gerater risk of fatal or nonfatal stroke, compared to those who did not take NSAID. Use of diclofenac (such as Cataflam and Voltaren) was associated with a 91% higher risk of death from all cardiovascular diseases. However, the study found no increased risk of cardiovascular problems associated with naproxen, sold over the counter with brand names such as Aleve.

For people taking the largest doses, diclofenac was associated with a doubled risk of heart attack, and rofecoxib (Vioxx) was associated with a threefold increased risk of heart attack. Vioxx vwas taken off the U.S. market in 2004 due to a study that found high rates of heart attack and stroke associated with the drugs.

Dr. Michael Farkouh

Dr. Michael E. Farkouh, a clinical cardiologist at Mount Sinai Cardiovascular Institute in New York City, says “These findings are completely consistent with what we have found in patients with cardiovascular disease. Drugs that elevate blood pressure and are associated with a thrombotic (artery-blocking) effect can be harmful in patients who are otherwise healthy”.

The percentage increases in the study were large, but the absolute overall risk in otherwise healthy people was small. Nevertheless, you should always consult with a physician before taking any medication, particularly these medications, Farkouh says.

The Danish findings are consistent with a 2007 American Heart Association (AHA) scientific statement about the increased risk of heart attack and stroke associated with NSAID.

Consequently; even though the majority of studies have shown that naproxen has a safe cardiovascular risk profile and that ibuprofen in low doses also is safe in respect to the cardiovascular risk; it is always best to consult with your physician before taking these drugs at a larger extent.

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