NSAIDs Raise Risk of Heart Attack

Using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen may raise the risk of heart attacks for lengthy periods of time. Tens of millions of people take such pain relievers every day for arthritis, headaches, bursitis or tendinitis. A study of nearly 100,000 Danes found that those who took NSAIDs were 59% more likely to die during the following year. Over five years the increased risk was still more than 50%. People who had already had an initial heart attack were 41% more likely to suffer a second during the following five years if they were taking an NSAID. Diclofenac posed the greatest risk. These results are consistent with previous studies suggesting that NSAIDs are unsafe for those who have experienced a myocardial infarction.
[Circulation , online, Sept. 10, 2012]