Painkillers linked to problems with heart, says study

COMMON painkillers used by millions of people in the UK have been linked to an increased risk of heart failure.

Experts have found nonselective non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen could increase the risk of being admitted to hospital with the heart problem.

Previous studies have linked the drugs to abnormal heart rhythm – which can cause heart failure – and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke if taken regularly.

The risk of heart failure increased for NSAIDs (diclofenac, ibuprofen, indomethacin, ketorolac, naproxen, nimesulide, and piroxicam).

The increased risk of hospital admission ranged from 16 per cent for naproxen to 83 per cent for ketorolac.

Researchers also found the risk of heart failure doubled for diclofenac, etoricoxib, indomethacin, piroxicam, and rofecoxib used at very high doses, although stressed this should be interpreted with caution.

The study, published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), used data for almost 10 million NSAIDs users.

Professor Peter Weissberg, medical director at the British Heart Foundation, said: “It has been known for some years now that such drugs need to be used with caution in patients with, or at high risk of, heart disease. This applies mostly to those who take them on a daily basis.”