Common pain relievers such as ibuprofen and naproxen, or Nsaids, are the go-to drugs for headaches, pulled muscles and arthritis. Their labels have warned us about the risk of heart attack and stroke if overused, but most of us rely on them on a daily basis. Although occasional use of these drugs will not lead to cardiovascular consequences, new studies have shown that people who take high doses of Nsaids daily increase their cardiovascular risk by as much as a third. Nsaids include ibuprofen, sold under the names Motrin and Advil; naproxen, sold under the name Aleve, Naprosun, Anaprox and Naprelan; and celecoxib, sold as Celebrex. Evidence has shown that nearly all Nsaids pose some cardiovascular risks in heavy users. Celebrex accounted for three heart attacks and strokes a year on average among every 1,000 patients taking high doses regularly. Ibuprofen taken at high daily doses of 2,400 milligrams also significantly raised attack risks, possibly doubling it. All Nsaids increase the risk of heart failure. Nsaids may also cause damage to the liver and kidneys and raise the risk of high blood pressure. Here are some tips from experts on how to choose the right pain relievers:
- If you must use Nsaids, use the lowest dose you can for the least amount of time you can.
- If you have heart disease or risk factors for it, your doctor should assess the risk of chronic Nsaid use based on your personal medical and family medical history. A history of gastrointestinal problems should be part of the equation as well.
If you or a loved one has suffered seriously complications as a result of a drug or a drug that has been recalled, contact us immediately. Click here to learn more about dangerous drugs and how we can help. Read the full article here: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/06/17/the-heart-perils-of-pain-relievers/?ref=health