The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is associated with an increased risk of developing myocardial infarction (MI) as early as the first week of use. The maximum risk increases during the first month of therapy and when taking high doses of drugs, the study said, the results of which are published in the journal The BMJ.
The international team of researchers analyzed data of almost 447,000 patients, of which 61.4 thousand were registered with MI.The study examined the risks and benefits of taking such NSAIDs as ibuprofen, diclofenac, celecoxib, naproxen and rofecoxib.
The results showed, that taking these NSAIDs at any dosage for a week, a month or more is associated with an increased risk of MI. In patients taking ibuprofen, diclofenac, celecoxib, naproxen or rofecoxib, the incidence of MI was 20-50% higher than those who did not take these drugs. In general, the risk of myocardial infarction, all the listed NSAIDs affect to a similar extent, the scientists found, however, when taking celecoxib, the risk was lower than with rofecoxib.
The authors emphasize that the study was observational in nature, and, possibly, not all factors influencing the risk of developing a heart attack were taken into account. However, the results indicate that physicians and patients should evaluate the risks and benefits of taking NSAIDs, especially at high doses, before initiating therapy, the researchers conclude.