Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like diclofenac, ibuprofen, meloxicam or naproxen are extremely popular pain relievers. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) and naproxen (Aleve) are even available over the counter. As a consequence, most people assume that these drugs are extremely safe. However, research shows that such an NSAID triggers atrial fibrillation.
Ibuprofen Triggers Atrial Fibrillation.
Q. Ibuprofen is the pain reliever that always worked best for me. However, out of nowhere I began having episodes of atrial fibrillation.
I underwent an ablation and was on the heart rhythm regulating medications flecainide and metoprolol. Nothing seemed to help until one day I read about research in Europe to determine if there was a connection between NSAIDs and AFib. They found convincing evidence that there was.
I immediately stopped taking ibuprofen and any other NSAID meds. Shortly thereafter my AFib episodes ceased. I’m still on a strong dose of flecainide and very light dose of metoprolol and ZERO NSAIDs.
More Evidence That Ibuprofen Triggers Atrial Fibrillation:
A. Dutch investigators followed more than 8,000 adults for over a decade. They found that people who took NSAIDs such as ibuprofen were more likely to develop atrial fibrillation, abbreviated AF or AFib (Krijthe et al, BMJ Open, April 1, 2014).
Other investigators have concluded:
“These findings suggest that AF needs to be added to the cardiovascular risks to be considered when prescribing NSAIDs” (Liu et al, American Journal of Cardiology, Nov. 15, 2014).
Because the consequences of atrial fibrillation can include strokes, we think both doctors and patients should be aware of this potentially serious complication.
What Else Can People Use for Pain Relief?
Acetaminophen does not appear to trigger heart rhythm disturbances. Neither does aspirin. So a person at risk for Afib might choose one of those rather than a common NSAID. Such an individual might do even better with a home remedy to relieve pain without increasing the risk of Afib. You can learn more about such remedies in our book, The People’s Pharmacy Quick & Handy Home Remedies.
Alcohol Triggers Atrial Fibrillation for Some People:
Q. A family member had recurring episodes of atrial fibrillation that were about to lead to potentially dangerous drugs to suppress the dysrhythmia. After she completely discontinued her alcohol intake (one vodka martini and two glasses of wine each night), her AFib has not returned. Are you aware of any data to support this correlation?
A. Alcohol consumption is a well-established risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AFib). This heart rhythm disturbance occurs when the upper chambers of the heart (atria) contract rapidly in a disorganized fashion. Symptoms may include palpitations, dizziness, fatigue, chest pain, shortness of breath or swollen ankles. Not everyone with AFib experiences clear symptoms, though.
As a result of this arrhythmia, blood can pool and form clots within the heart. If a clot travels to the brain, it can cause a stroke. That’s why AFib is frequently treated with anticoagulant medication to prevent blood clots.
Of course, avoiding AFib by skipping alcohol is a good strategy. As you’ve just seen, a number of medications can also increase the risk for this kind of heart rhythm disturbance. They include NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen, cortisone-type drugs and antidepressants
We did hear from one reader who suspects quinine:
“I found that quinine is a trigger for me–in my case gin and tonic. I now have a pacemaker (for other reasons) and have not had AFib in two years.”
Whether quinine in tonic or alcohol in gin was the culprit would be hard to determine.
