Tuesday, July 16, 2013

NSAIDs Increase Risk of Stroke

Do over the counter pain relievers cause stroke? Some do, some don't. Might some pain relievers also cause heart problems and other cardiovascular problems? Same deal: Some do, some don't.

Note: As a group these meds are called Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or "NSAIDs" (pronounced: NAY-sads). (List of all NSAIDs here)

In 2011 rather large study of this issue was completed. This study was a meta-analysis. A meta-analysis is a study of all the available studies. Although this is not news (it did come out in 2011) it is important for folks with chronic pain. If for instance you have frequent headaches and you take certain painkillers for that headache pain it could increase your risk of stroke and heart problems. Ibuprofen, for instance, tripled the incidence of stroke. 

Keep in mind, this study was not done with people who have had stroke. The statistics may be different if you've already had a stroke.

And "dying from heart trouble was four times greater" when using some NSAIDs. 
As Consumer Reports puts it: "...all (NSAIDs) except naproxen were associated with similar increased risks..."

Here's my suggestion: Ask your medical doctor about this research.

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