HEALTH COACH - "Risk of heart attack" for common Nsaid analgesics

HEALTH COACH -

 "Risk of heart attack" for common Nsaid analgesics  

 

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 A new study suggests that there may be a link between taking high doses of Nsaid analgesics - such as ibuprofen - and heart attacks. 
 
 The paper, published in The BMJ, relies on an earlier work linking these medications to heart problems. 
 
 This research suggests that the risk may be greatest during the first 30 days of drug intake. 
 
 But scientists say the results are not clear. They say that other factors - not just pills - could be involved. 
 
 In the study, an international team of scientists analyzed data from 446,763 people to try to understand when heart problems might occur. 
 
 Focused on prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs prescribed (such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, celecoxib and naproxen) by doctors rather than those who bought the over-the-counter painkillers. 
 
 "Sensitize" 
 
 By studying data from Canada, Finland and the UK, researchers suggest taking NSAIDS to treat pain and inflammation could increase The risk of heart attack even during the first week of use And especially in the first month when taking high doses. 
 
 But scientists say that there are a number of factors that make it difficult to be absolutely certain of the link. 
 
 
 





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 Are painkillers really responsible? 
 
 Kevin McConway, Emeritus Professor of Statistics at the Open University, said the paper has shed light on the possible relationships between Nsaid pain relievers and heart attacks. 
 
 But he added: "Despite the large number of patients involved, some aspects remain unclear. 
 
" It is still possible that analgesics are not really the cause of the extra heart Attacks "
 
 He stated that if, for example, a high dose of analgesic was prescribed due to severe pain then he had a heart attack the following week he would be "Quite difficult to say" If the heart attack had been caused by the pain reliever or the reason for prescribing it in the first place, 
 
 It might even be about something else, He said. 
 
 Prof McConway also pointed out that other influences on heart health - such as smoking and obesity - could not be taken fully into account and could be partly responsible . 
 
 
 What should Do patients 
 
 Doctors already know from previous studies that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may increase the risk of heart problems and intensive traits. 
 
 And current UK guidelines indicate that NSAIDS should be used with caution in people with heart problems and in some cases (such as severe heart failure) they should not be used at all. 
 
 Dr. Mike Knapton of the British Heart Foundation suggests that patients and doctors evaluate the risks and benefits of taking large doses of these common pain relievers, especially if they have survived A heart attack or are at greater risk. 
 
 Meanwhile, GP leader Helen Stokes-Lampard said it was important that any decision to be prescribed be based on the individual circumstances and medical history of a patient, and Has been regularly reviewed. 
 
 She stated that as new research was published, it was important that it be taken into account to help inform the guidelines. 
 
 But she added: "The use of Nsaids in general practice to treat patients with chronic pain is decreasing and some drugs This study is no longer routinely prescribed in the UK -Universe, like coxibs, because we know that long-term use can cause serious side effects for some patients. " 
 
 





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 What about over-the-counter use? 
 
 This article examines patients receiving painkillers rather than people who buy them from a store or take them without medical advice. 
 
 But Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard said that the study should also sensitize patients who self-meditated with Nsaids to treat their pain. 
 
 According to the NHS advice, people should generally take the lowest dose of Nsaids as short as possible. 
 
 And if people find that they need to take NSAids very often or that they take higher doses than is recommended, medical advice should be sought. 
 
 
 What are the risks? 
 
 Independent researchers say that one of the main pitfalls of the study is that it does not clearly specify what the absolute risk - or the basic risk of people with diabetes, A heart - is. 
 
 And they say without an understanding of the baseline, it is then difficult to judge the impact of any possible increase in risk. 
 
 Meanwhile, Professor Stephen Evans of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine said the study indicated that even a few days of use were associated with increased risk, It may not be as clear as the authors 
 
 He added: "The two main problems are that the risks are relatively low and for most people who do not run a high risk of heart attack, These results have minimal implications ".