Painkiller use is linked to higher risk of heart failure

● Researchers warn of ‘misconception’ that class of drugs are harmless for all

Common painkillers used by millions of people in the UK are linked to an increased risk of heart failure, experts have said.

Non-selective non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen could increase the risk of being admitted to hospital with the heart problem, a new study has found.

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 drugs – together with a sub-group of antiinflammatories known as selective COX-2 inhibitors – are used to control pain and inflammation and are commonly taken by people with arthritis.

The new study, published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), used data for almost ten million NSAID users from the UK, Netherlands, Italy and Germany, who started NSAID treatment between 2000 and 2010.

Overall, 92,163 hospital admissions for heart failure were identified among the group. The study found

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.”

Professor Peter Weissberg, medical director at the British Heart Foundation, said: “This large observational study reinforces previous research showing that some NSAIDS, a group of drugs commonly taken by patients with joint problems, increase the risk of developing heart failure.

“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 rather than only occasionally.

“Since heart and joint problems often co-exist, particularly in the elderly, this study serves as a reminder to doctors to consider carefully how they prescribe NSAIDS, and to patients that they should only take the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. They should discuss their treatment with their GP if they have any concerns.”

A separate study published in the journal BMJ Open today has found vast majority of people have an older “heart age” than their actual age.

An online test which calculated a person’s risk of having a heart attack or stroke revealed that almost four in five people over the age of 30 had a heart deemed to be older than their chronological age. This means they are at a higher risk of potentially fatal heart attack or stroke.

The study examined data from 575,000 people who used the online tool on the NHS Choices website.

Two-fifths of women under 40 had a heart age older than they actually were, compared to 87 per cent of men the same age, according to the research, funded by the British Heart Foundation.

It also found that many people were unaware about their own cardiovascular risk factors – almost half did not know their blood pressure and three-quarters were unaware what their cholesterol levels were.

Those who used the online tool who do not know their blood pressure or cholesterol levels can still be given an estimate for their “heart age”, but are encouraged to find out their measurements.

0 Patients are told they should only take the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time