Dangerous painkillers for the heart

If you are one of those people who frequently takes over-the-counter painkillers, pay attention to this finding. A recent study has found that prolonged, excessive use of NSAID group pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or diclofenac, may increase the chances of developing heart problems. Some people take them for any discomfort without thinking that they can harm them. Others, however, need so-called non-steroidal anti-inflammatories to relieve chronic pain. Like those caused by rheumatoid arthritis.

Study

The problem is that these medications can have unwanted effects. For example, a group of researchers from the University of Oxford, in England, has found that when ibuprofen or diclofenac – two of the most used NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) painkillers – are taken in large quantities and for a long period of time, they can slightly increase the chances of developing heart problems. The risk would be much higher when taken daily by people who smoke or are obese. In detail, researchers found that taking 2,400 milligrams (mg) of ibuprofen or 150 mg of diclofenac per day can increase, by approximately one-third, the risk of heart attacks, cerebrovascular accidents (strokes or strokes), and death. Thus, they determined that each year, for every thousand people who consume these medicines in high doses, there are: three additional heart attacks, four more cases of heart failure and one death. It also increases the risk of developing a bleeding stomach ulcer or other significant problems in the digestive system by two to four times.

Clarifications

The study clarifies that when referring to high doses it refers to doses of 150 mg of diclofenac and 2,400 mg of ibuprofen per day. This is for long periods. Which is what a person who suffers from rheumatoid arthritis needs, for example. It does not refer to the dose taken by a person who buys over-the-counter nonsteroidal pain relievers (NSAIDs). With the purpose of taking them in a small dose from time to time for some muscle discomfort. Additionally, researchers cautioned that the increased risk of heart attacks related to these pain relievers is proportional to a patient’s risk of heart attacks. That is why, for example, it is important to combat other risk factors. Such as high cholesterol or hypertension, before starting treatment with high-dose NSAIDs.

Conclusions

These results lead us to reflect once again on the excessive use of certain medicines and the need to find new, more effective and safe ways to combat pain. In the case of osteoarthritis, for example, exercise can be a good alternative to relieve the discomfort it causes. But that is not the only case in which pain can become a nightmare. There are other diseases (such as cancer) that make it necessary for you to follow treatments to calm the discomfort they cause, and improve your quality of life. There are different methods and even other medications to achieve this. Demanding adequate pain treatment is your right. Talk to your doctor to help you manage your pain. Currently there are several alternatives and he or she can tell you which one is best for your case. There are even specialists in pain treatment. And, of course, ask about the risks and benefits you may have from taking any pain reliever. Including sexual problems. So that you can make well-informed decisions and improve your quality of life.