As people know, painkillers are harmless. Yet, a recent study had just found out that NSAIDs like ibuprofens and diclofenac have a 31 percent risk associated with cardiac arrest.
According to Wall Street Pit, the study published in European Heart Journal Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy, found out that Diclofenac is the kind of painkiller that makes a terrifying risk of cardiac arrest up to 50 percent. Meanwhile, ibuprofens have 31 percent risk. On the other hand, not too much used NSAIDs like celecoxib, naproxen and rofecoxib don't have a high risk probably due to its low usage rate by people.
The study then had assessed 30,000 patients’ medical history who had undergone out-of-hospital cardiac arrest from 2001 to 2010 through the use of the Danish Cardiac Arrest Registry. The Guardian also noted the lead author’s statement that “The findings are a stark reminder that NSAIDs are not harmless.”
Another study published in British Medical Journal was also found out that supports Denmark’s study. The British study then linked NSAIDs to abnormal heart rhythm, which can cause heart failure. An increased risk of heart attack and stroke was also discovered by the study if the drugs were to be taken regularly.
Hence, lead author of the study and cardiology professor at Copenhagen University Hospital, Dr. Gunnar Gislason stated that “NSAIDs should be used with caution and for a valid indication.” He furthermore explained that NSAIDs should be avoided by people suffering from cardiovascular disease or experiencing many cardiovascular risk factors.
It was then advised by Dr. Gislason that people should limit their intake of naproxen to no more than 500 mg per day, and ibuprofen to a maximum of 1,200 mg per day. He also mentioned that drugs like NSAIDs should not be sold at convenience stores and supermarkets. He also added that such drugs should be taken under a health professional’s advice. “Safer drugs are available that have similar painkilling effects so there is no reason to use diclofenac,” he concluded.
