Over-counter pain pills raise risk of cardiac arrest by 31%

CHEAP over-the-counter painkillers taken by millions could significantly raise the risk of fatal heart problems, a major study suggests.

Those who take ibuprofen, available in corner shops, supermarkets and petrol stations, have a 31 per cent increased risk of cardiac arrest, researchers found.

The scientists, from copenhagen university Hospital in denmark, last night called for tougher controls.

Heart expert Professor Gunnar Gislason, who led the study, said they should only be available in pharmacies. He said: ‘Allowing these drugs to be purchased without a prescription, and without any advice or restrictions, sends a message to the public that they must be safe.’

cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood around the body – if it is not restarted with a defibrillator the patient will die within minutes.

it is far more serious, for exam- ple, than a heart attack, in which a blood clot cuts the oxygen supply to the heart but patients often survive.

The danish researchers analysed 29,000 cases of cardiac arrest between 2001 and 2010, assessing their drug use in the preceding 30 days, and compared the data to use of medicines generally.

Patients who had taken ibuprofen were 31 per cent more likely to suffer cardiac arrest within a month than those who did not take the drugs.

other medicines from the same family of painkillers, known as non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs, or NsAids, were also assessed.

They included diclofenac, which raised the risk by 50 per cent, has only been available on prescription in the uK since 2015. Professor Gislason, whose work is published in the european Heart Journal, said: ‘i don’t think these drugs should be sold in supermarkets or petrol stations where there is no professional advice on how to use them.

‘over-the-counter NsAids should only be available at pharmacies, in limited quantities and in low doses.’

scientists say the drugs may cause arteries to constrict, increase fluid retention and raise blood pressure.

Alternative theories include the possibility that they encourage the clumping of platelets and formation of blood clots. However, John smith, of the Proprietary Association of Great Britain, which represents the over-the-counter medicine industry, said ‘any conclusions should be made with caution’ and that the drugs were safe if taken according to their instructions.

‘They may cause arteries to close’