Taking Ibuprofen can increase the risk of having a heart attack 24% to 58% over those who do not take pain killers at all.
Although the risk is fairly low, studies show that most ‘heart attacks’ caused by high doses of Ibuprofen typically take place during the first month of taking the pain killer.
Ibuprofen, available in supermarkets and drug stores, is a type of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
“Taking any dose of NSAIDs for one week, one month, or more than a month was associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction [heart attack],” wrote the researchers, led by Michèle Bally of the University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre in Canada.
“Prescribers should consider weighing the risks and benefits of NSAIDs before instituting treatment, particularly for higher doses.”
The study, published in the British Medical Journal, analysed data from almost 450,000 people, 61,460 of whom had suffered a heart attack.
Researchers examined the effect over time of taking three common anti-inflammatory painkillers – ibuprofen, diclofenac and naproxen – and two others, called celecoxib and rofecoxib.
The increased risk of suffering a heart attack was between 24 per cent and 58 per cent overall when taking the drugs, compared with not using them.
In short, the study found that the risk of heart attack from Ibuprofen use is roughly 1% per year, however…that one percent is a fairly large number based on the fact that so many people ingest ibuprofen.
Taking the drug consistently for over a months time will also increase risk of heart attack. Other factors that weigh in to the risk are those who already have heart related issues or diabetes.
This is surely something to think about as many people take Ibuprofen daily to handle aches and pains. Using in moderation will greatly reduce the risk of side effects.
