Summary
Commonly-used painkillers, such as ibuprofen and diclofenac, can increase the risk of heart problems slightly if taken in high doses over a long time. This conclusion was arrived at by meta-analysis of data from 639 separate clinical trials. The risks remain low however. Users should exercise informed choice.
Read more: BBC News: Common painkillers ‘pose heart risk’.
Reference
Gallagher, J. (2013). Common painkillers ‘pose heart risk’. London: BBC News, May 30th 2013.
Reference
High-dose painkiller heart risk: small but significant. London: NHS Choices, May 30th 2013.
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Reference
Coxib and Traditional NSAID Trialists’ (CNT) Collaboration. Vascular and upper gastrointestinal effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: meta-analyses of individual participant data from randomised trials. Lancet. Epub: May 30th 2013.
[A brief reference to this item features in Dementia and Elderly Care: the Latest Evidence Newsletter (RWNHST), Volume 3 Issue 9, August 2013].
