The Dangers of NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen) For Heart Attack Victims
A new study cautions heart attack victims when it comes to common over the counter medications such as ibuprofen.
It’s not news that taking ibuprofen may increase your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. This is especially a concern to those who are already at a higher risk. And the more ibuprofen you take, the higher your risk becomes.
A new study on NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen) ramps up the discussion for heart attack survivors taking ibuprofen.
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The study, published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, reviewed the cases of 83,675 adults who had had their first heart attack between 1997 and 2006. 42% had been prescribed a NSAID, such as ibuprofen (23%) and diclofenac (13.4%).
The patients who had been prescribed a NSAID after heart attack had a 45% increased risk of another heart attack or death within a week of treatment. That’s not a prescription right after the heart attack, but anytime after the heart attack. In fact, when the prescription was given within 3 months, the risk rose to 55%. (Note – that’s increased risk compared to the other patients, not increased change of heart attack or death!)
The highest risk came with diclofenac (sold under many brand names including Voltaren, Cataflam, Dicloflex, Voltarol, Defenac). The lowest risk (no noticeable risk) came with naproxen.
More studies need to be done, especially since the outlook is so serious. Meanwhile, patients should be extremely cautious about taking NSAIDs anytime after heart attack. Also, you need to talk to your doctor about the risks if your risk of heart disease is already high.
More on this study: Some Painkillers May Be Risky After Heart Attack
Full Ibuprofen Dosage and Risk information here.
11 June 2011 @ 1:59 pm
too little info too late for me!! Three years ago now, I was taking alot of advil for headaches. I was under alot of stress and thought that was why I was having headaches. The more I took the more I needed it. THEN I found out my blood pressure was high and still I was not asked about what over the counter pills I was taking (Advil – everyday perhaps 4 or 5). THEN (of course you know whats next) I had a Very serious (how do you say huge, massive or big) heart attack. Had to be revived…. THEN (!) I found out that Advil may have been a major if not sole contributor to this heart attack. Now, I wont touch the stuff – even though it still would be my number one choice for handling a headache quickly and efficiently. Now I take one or two ASA with caffeine and codiene and handle this with extreme respect and care. No more popping pills! Very sad that people do not know about this and dont stop to read the labels closer.