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The Effects of Pain Killers on the Heart

An article in "Science Daily" explained that scientists are gaining a better understanding of why painkillers cause an increased risk of heart attack and stroke in some patients. The researchers discovered that nitric oxide levels in the blood can cause an increase in cardiovascular side effects from nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs.

  1. Hypertension

    • One effect of painkillers like ibuprofen and aspirin is that they can impair the blood vessels' ability to relax, which can cause hypertension. The painkillers may also stimulate the growth of muscle cells inside the arteries. This can cause the arteries to clog, which leads to heart problems.

    Warning

    • Some painkillers have been removed from store shelves because of their potential to cause heart problems. For example, the drug maker Merck removed Vioxx from the world-wide market when it found the drug led to an increased risk of heart attack. Another drug, Bextra, was given a warning by the FDA; patients undergoing heart bypass surgery shouldn't take the drug.

    Heart Failure

    • The Daily Mail Online discovered that painkillers are particularly harmful to older people who have had heart-failure problems. The heart failure rate was particularly high for people between the ages of 60 and 84.

    Time Frame

    • The frequency in which pain killers are used also play a factor in how they affect the heart. For example, British researchers discovered that regular use of ibuprofen increases a heart attack by almost a quarter.

    Considerations

    • People who have a heart condition should consult a doctor before taking any drug. Even over-the-counter medications may cause an adverse reaction when heart problems are present.

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