Products such as ibuprofen, naproxen and diclofenac all come under the category of non-steroidal ant-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This entire category of drug has come under scrutiny after a recent study has concluded that they could be leading to an increased risk of heart attack. The pain relievers are used in a number of circumstances to reduce symptoms of headache, joint pain, flu and signs of fever. They are some of the most common everyday drugs that most people have in their medicine cabinet, so why have they now been identified to be possibly harmful?
The paper published by BMJ last month found that taking high doses of NSAIDs painkillers for just a week could increase your chances of a heart attack. More specifically they reported that the odds of having a heart attack were about 20% to 50% greater if using NSAIDs compared with not using the drugs. Dr Mike Knapton, associate medical director of the British Heart Foundation shared his opinion that the study ‘worryingly highlights just how quickly you become at risk of having a heart attack after starting NSAIDs’.
See also: Natural Methods to Relieve Painful Joints
It has been common knowledge for years amongst medical practitioners that heart attack links to painkillers. This is precisely why most doctors will not prescribe them to those with existing heart conditions or those over the age of 65.
While these results seem extremely alarming there are a few important points to keep in mind. Conclusions drawn by the study do not rule out other external factors that could also influence the risk of heart attack. This has led certain commentators to decide that it was hard to assess the significance of their findings. The paper also points out that the results are correlated with high doses of these painkillers taken continually. Those being taken for the occasional headache do not pose as a dangerous risk.
While the case for exactly how strongly the risk of heart attack links to painkillers, there seems to be some evidence that suggests very. After more testing organisations may have a better grasp to the adverse affects of over using NSAIDs. If you are in pain and need relief, we suggest opting for an alternative and limiting the amount you take.
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