Warning: Analgesics may increase the risk of heart failure

One of the largest studies has shown that taking conventional painkillers like ibuprofen increases the risk of hospitalization for heart failure within two weeks.

Researchers at the University of Milano-Bicocca in Italy have found some non -steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) that double the risk of heart disease. And a common drug like ibuprofen increases the risk of hospitalization by 18% within 14 days after swallowing.

The study's author says it's quite easy to buy these drugs at the supermarket, many people think the drugs are harmless, but it can be dangerous for people with underlying heart disease.

Painkillers can be dangerous for people with underlying heart disease.(Sarah Knapton, science editor).

Dr. Giovanni Corrao, the lead author of the study, said: "This study provides further evidence that painkillers that are frequently used individually have an association with the risk of hospitalization for heart failure. , the risk seems to be more varied between drugs and dose. "

This study is based on 10 million painkillers users from the UK, Netherlands, Italy and Germany. The researchers also found that the level of risks varied between individual drugs and increased significantly when using high doses.

Heart failure is caused by a variety of conditions including hypertension, cardiovascular disease, alcohol and obesity. British experts say they are not sure if painkillers can cause problems for healthy people but they can point to other causes of heart failure.

Helen Williams, pharmacist consultant for cardiovascular patients at the Royal Pharmaceutical Association, said: "This study reinforces the need to carefully consider the risks and benefits of use. NSAIDs Risk reduction measures include the use of drugs at risk of cardiovascular disease, lowering the prescribed dose to the lowest dose while ensuring effectiveness, if possible, to minimize the patient's time. People often buy NSAIDs without a prescription from a doctor, such as ibuprofen but we need to seek advice from a pharmacist or doctor, not to overuse it voluntarily.

Carefully consider how to prescribe patients to use NSAIDs.

Professor Peter Weissberg, medical director at the British Heart Foundation adds: "Since the problems of heart and joint coexist, especially in the elderly, this study acts as a reminder. Be reminded to doctors: Consider carefully how they prescribe patients using NSAIDs.For patients: They should only take the lowest effective dose in the shortest possible time " .