Common Painkillers May Increase Risk of Heart Disease and Stroke, Doctors Warn

Many might assume that over-the-counter medications are generally safer than stronger prescription medications, but research shows that they can still pose risks for some.

Certain common over-the-counter pain relievers have been linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack.

Potential risk of NSAIDs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), used to reduce pain, fever, and inflammation, have been identified as the class of medications most associated with elevated cardiovascular risk.

NEW HEALTH WARNING ISSUED ABOUT THE POPULAR SLEEP AID THAT MILLIONS TAKE EVERY NIGHT

“This is because they reduce the production of certain chemicals called prostaglandins,” Maryam Jowza, MD, an anesthesiologist at UNC Health in North Carolina, told News Digital. “These chemicals are involved in inflammation, but also in other functions of the body, such as influencing the tone of blood vessels.”

News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel echoed the potential risk of NSAIDs.

“They can lead to high blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes due to fluid and salt retention,” he told News Digital. “This increases volume, puts pressure on the heart and raises blood pressure.”

PATIENTS WITH DIABETES EXPERIENCE A LOWER DEATH RATE WITH COMMON MEDICATION

Common examples of NSAIDs include ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, diclofenac, indomethacin, and celecoxib.

Randomized trials found that ibuprofen caused the largest blood pressure spikes, followed by naproxen and then celecoxib.

“In general, increased blood pressure is more likely with higher doses and longer duration of treatment,” said Jowza, who is also an associate professor in the Department of Anesthesiology at the UNC School of Medicine.

COMMON VIRUSES LINKED TO ‘DRAMATIC’ POINT IN HEART ATTACK AND STROKE RISK

NSAIDs can also increase the risk of stroke, especially at high doses and with long-term use, the doctor added.

The doctor warned that diclofenac was linked to increased cardiovascular risk. Ibuprofen can also raise blood pressure and has been associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, but not as high as diclofenac. Naproxen carries a lower cardiovascular risk than ibuprofen or diclofenac, but it is not completely risk-free.

“The practical bottom line is that diclofenac is generally the least favorable option in patients at high cardiovascular risk, and all NSAIDs should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible,” Dr. Nayan Patel, a pharmacist and founder of Auro Wellness in Southern California, told News Digital.

COMMON VITAMIN MAY PROTECT SOME HEART ATTACK SURVIVORS, STUDY SHOWS

Aspirin is an exception: Although it is an NSAID, it actually reduces the risk of clots when taken in low doses as prevention, under a doctor’s supervision. However, it may increase the risk of bleeding and blood pressure at high doses.

Medicines without NSAIDs are safer, but they are not without risks

Non-NSAID pain relievers are commonly used for daily aches, headaches, and fever, but not for bloating. According to medical experts, they primarily act on pain signals from the brain, not inflammation.

Acetaminophen, the most common non-NSAID pain reliever, is also linked to an increase in blood pressure, although to a lesser extent, according to Jowza.

“All NSAIDs should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible.”

“Paracetamol was once thought to have little or no cardiovascular effects, but more recent evidence suggests that it may increase blood pressure, especially with higher doses used long term,” he said, emphasizing the importance of controlling blood pressure. “Its effect on stroke risk is less clear.”

Which groups are the most vulnerable?

The highest risk groups, according to doctors, are those with existing health problems, such as high blood pressure, a history of stroke or heart disease, diabetes or kidney problems.

“These groups are also more likely to experience NSAID-related fluid retention and destabilization of blood pressure control,” Patel said.

DO YOU WANT TO STAY HEALTHY AFTER 40? DOCTORS SAY MEN SHOULD CONSIDER 14 MEDICAL TESTS

Doctors agreed that cardiovascular risk is generally higher in people 75 years and older.

“Age amplifies risk greatly because baseline cardiovascular risk increases with age and kidney function reserve tends to decline,” Patel said. “Older adults are also more likely to take antihypertensives, diuretics, antiplatelets, or anticoagulants, so NSAIDs may destabilize blood pressure control and add complexity to safety.”

Warning signs

Anyone experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden weakness or numbness, severe headache, confusion, slurred speech or vision changes should see a doctor immediately, Jowza recommended.

CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

“These symptoms may indicate a heart attack or stroke,” he warned. “Other concerning symptoms that may not develop as quickly, such as new swelling in the legs, should also require medical attention.”

“Patients should also seek medical attention if they notice signs of fluid retention or kidney stress, such as a rapid rise in blood pressure, swelling of the legs, sudden weight gain within a few days, reduced urine output, or worsening shortness of breath,” Patel added.

Safer alternatives

For those at higher risk, Patel recommends non-NSAID approaches whenever possible.

“For many patients, this means starting non-drug strategies, such as heat or ice, physical therapy and activity modification,” he told News Digital. “If medication is needed, paracetamol is generally preferred over oral NSAIDs from a cardiovascular point of view, although regular use should still be monitored in people with hypertension.”

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

For localized joint or muscle pain, the doctor said topical NSAIDs can offer “significant relief” with “much lower” risk.

“In general, pain management in high-risk patients should emphasize targeted therapy, conservative dosing, and close blood pressure monitoring.”

In a nutshell

Doctors emphasized that the overall risk is “very low” for people taking over-the-counter pain relievers short-term, but increases with long-term and high-dose use.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE News APP

“I wouldn’t hesitate to use an occasional dose if it were a low-risk individual with no history of heart attack or stroke,” Jowza said. “I also think short-term use is acceptable in diabetics and hypertensives who are well controlled.”

For those taking NSAIDs, the doctor suggested using “guardrails,” such as regularly checking blood pressure and kidney function, and setting limits on doses, to make treatment as safe as possible.

Patel agreed that for most healthy people, occasional NSAID use “does not carry significant cardiovascular risk.”

TRY OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

“The concern is primarily repeated or chronic use, higher doses, and use in people with underlying cardiovascular, kidney, or blood pressure conditions,” he confirmed to News Digital.

“That said, large population studies show that cardiovascular events can occur early after starting NSAIDs, particularly at higher doses, which is why even short-term use should be approached with caution in higher-risk patients.”