Painkillers can up heart attack risk

Painkillers can up heart attack risk Kounteya Sinha TNN  London: Two of the world’s most common painkillers taken in high doses over a long period of time increases the chances of heart attack.     The painkillers Ibuprofen and Diclofenac, called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are used by millions of Indians. A study announced by the Lancet on Thursday showed that 11 out of 1,000 people who pop these pills regularly and in high doses will suffer a heart attack.     High doses of NSAIDs, researchers say, increases major vascular events (non-fatal heart attacks, strokes, and death) by around a third, mainly by increasing the risk of heart attacks.     Importantly, the risk is highest in those with a previous history of heart disease or people prone to high blood pressure or cholesterol.     NSAIDs have been used by people with inflammatory disorders like rheumatoid arthritis. Earlier research has linked their use with an increased risk of serious gastrointestinal complications, while a new generation of NSAIDs (coxibs) developed to reduce these gastrointestinal side effects have come under scrutiny for increasing the risk of heart attacks and death.