Ibuprofen has been linked to heart failure, a recent study revealed today.
The popular everyday painkiller is used by millions of Brits to ease headaches, menstrual cramps and back pain.
But new research suggests common anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen can increase the chance of potentially-deadly heart disease.
The study found patients who regularly take the pills are up to 19% more likely to develop heart failure.
Long-term use of the medication causes chemical reactions in the body which place extra strain on the heart, the research found.
This can lead to heart failure in patients who have a history of previous heart attacks or high blood pressure
Researchers at the University of Milano-Bicocca in Italy gained the findings by analysing nearly 10 million patients aged over 18 from Holland, Germany and Italy.
A total of 27 on-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were tested in the study, which took place between 2000 and 2010.
Patients have now been warned to limit their use of NSAIDs, such as Ibuprofen, and have been told to take the lowest effective dose.
“The risk of hospital admission for heart failure associated with current use of NSAIDs appears to vary between individual [drugs]. Risk of admission is doubled for some used at very high doses," said the review, which is published in the British Medical Journal.
Medical experts also warned that it is wrong to assume over-the-counter painkillers are "harmless and safe for everyone".
Professor Peter Weissberg, from the British Heart Foundation said: “It has been known for some years that such drugs need to be used with caution in patients with, or at high risk of, heart disease."
He continued: “This applies mostly to those who take them on a daily basis rather than only occasionally.
"This study serves as a reminder to doctors to consider carefully how they prescribe NSAIDs and to patients that they should only take the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time.
"They should discuss their treatment with their GP if they have any concerns. It has been known for some years now that such drugs need to be used with caution in patients with, or at high risk of, heart disease.
"This applies mostly to those who take them on a daily basis rather than only occasionally."
But Dr Tim Chico, an expert in cardiovascular medicine at the University of Sheffield, pointed out that risk was low in patients who only took NSAIDs occasionally and had no previous risk of heart attacks.
He added: “It seems unlikely that NSAIDs would cause problems in people with otherwise healthy hearts, but they may unmask heart failure due to these other causes.”
0 comments: