Common prescription painkillers linked to increased risk of heart failure

Painkillers often used by people with arthritis have been associated with an increased risk of hospital admission for heart failure, reports the British Medical Journal.

The drugs include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and anti-inflammatory drugs known as COX-2 inhibitors. Risk varied between individual painkillers and the dose. At very high doses, risk of admission for heart failure doubled for some NSAIDs.

The authors say their study: “offers further evidence that the most frequently used individual traditional NSAIDs and selective COX 2 inhibitors are associated with an increased risk of hospital admission for heart failure. Moreover, the risk seems to vary between drugs and according to the dose.

“Because any potential increased risk could have a considerable impact on public health, the risk effect estimates provided by this study may help inform both clinical practices and regulatory activities.”

Owing to the widespread use of NSAIDs, “even a small increase in cardiovascular risk is a concern for public health,” comment two Danish heart experts. Their wide availability over the counter in supermarkets and convenience stores “further fuels the common misconception that NSAIDs are harmless drugs that are safe for everyone,” they write. Tighter regulation is justified and “requirements for healthcare professionals providing advice on their use and potential harm is warranted.”

Click here to read the original research.