Painkillers Increase Your Risk of Heart Attack Really Fast
For readers of this blog, it is no longer news that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) have not only failed to live up to their reputation for preventing cardiovascular disease but that they have actually been new study). A huge and important new study has now added even more devastating evidence. . . .
A Canadian led team of international researchers wanted to look closely at the risk of heart attack when people use painkillers in real life circumstances. So, they did a systematic review and meta-analysis of relevant research that had been conducted in Canada, Finland and the U.K. that included a total of 446,763 people: the largest study yet to look at this question.
The researchers looked at several painkillers, including ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, celecoxib and rofecoxib.
They found that taking any dose of any NSAID for one week, one month, or more than one month is associated with an increased risk of heart attack.
That taking NSAIDs increases your risk of heart attack should no longer be a surprise. The shocking result of this study is how fast painkillers become dangerous: there is an increased risk of heart attack as fast as one week.
Compared to people who do not take NSAIDs, people who did take them were at a 24-58% increased risk of heart attack, depending on the type of painkiller. The risk went up by 24% for celecoxib, 48% for ibuprofen, 50% for diclofenac, 53% for naproxen and 58% for rofecoxib. The risk increased up as the dose goes increased.
The researchers concluded that “current use of a NSAID is associated with a significantly increased risk of acute myocardial infarction. This was observed for all traditional NSAIDs, including naproxen,” and, therefore, that “prescribers should consider weighing the risks and benefits of NSAIDs before instituting treatment, particularly for higher doses.”
BMJ 2017;357:j1909
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