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Cardiovascular Dangers These over-the-counter painkillers significantly increase the risk of heart attack
There have been studies that have found that analgesics can increase the risk of heart problems. Researchers built a recent study on this earlier work and found that certain painkillers actually increase the likelihood of heart attack.
Researchers at the McGill University Health Center in Montreal found that some painkillers (such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, celecoxib and naproxen) increase the risk of heart attack. The physicians published the results of their study in the journal British Medical Journal (BMJ).
Many people in Germany take so-called over-the-counter painkillers with slight pain. However, the use of these drugs may increase your risk of developing a heart attack. (Image: denisismagilov / fotolia.com) Experts analyze the data of more than 445,000 subjects for their investigation
Especially in the first 30 days after the use of certain painkillers, the risk of a heart attack seems to be greatest, say the experts. In his study, the research team analyzed the data of 446,763 subjects. So the doctors wanted to find out why and when heart problems can occur.
These medications can increase the risk of a heart attack
The study focused mainly on people who were prescribed so-called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, celecoxib, and naproxen) by doctors. Data from Canada, Finland and the UK found that these drugs to treat pain and inflammation in the first few weeks of use increase the risk of heart attack, say the authors.
High doses of analgesics lead to increased risk
When people, especially in the first month, took high doses of painkillers (for example, more than 1200 mg ibuprofen per day), the risk for heart attacks increased, explain the physicians. Despite the large number of patients involved, some aspects are still unclear. For example, people who take a high dose of painkillers because of severe pain and suffered a heart attack the following week are often struggling to determine the exact cause of the event, the experts add.
Smoking and obesity also influence the risk of heart attack
Previous studies have already suggested that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may increase the risk of heart problems and strokes. For example, one study found that analgesics significantly increase the risk of cardiac death. However, other influences on heart health, such as smoking and obesity, could not be fully taken into account, according to the researchers.
People with very severe heart failure should not use certain painkillers
Current UK guidelines suggest that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be used with caution in people with heart problems. In some cases (such as very severe heart failure) these medicines should not be used at all. Patients and physicians must carefully weigh the risks and benefits of taking high doses of these painkillers. Especially if those affected have already survived a heart attack or have an increased risk of a heart attack, the experts say.
Long-term use can lead to serious side effects
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are usually used to treat chronic pain. Although some of the drugs are routinely prescribed in the UK, long-term use in patients is known to cause serious side effects.
Get informed about the risks from your doctor
The current study found that higher doses (for example, more than 1200mg ibuprofen per day) are among the highest risks for the development of heart attacks. People should generally take the lowest possible dose of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, experts suggest. If people use very often or very high levels of these drugs, they should urgently seek medical advice, the authors suggest. (As)