Popular anti-inflammatory, pain-killing drugs may increase the risk of relapse in patients with heart failure.
While using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) will not cause a first case of congestive heart failure, the study results do link the drugs to relapse in patients already diagnosed with CHF.
CHF occurs when the heart loses the ability to pump efficiently, resulting in fluid build-up in the body, including the lungs.
NSAIDs, a group of drugs that includes aspirin and ibuprofen, are often used to treat chronic inflammation. Although aspirin has been shown to reduce the risk of heart attack, some research has suggested that those who take other NSAIDs for chronic illness may increase their risk of heart failure.
After reviewing all of the patients' NSAID use, the investigators found that patients who had filled at least one NSAID prescription were nearly 10 times more likely than those who didn't use the drugs to have a relapse of CHF.
Unlike in the US, people in the Netherlands are less likely to buy NSAIDs over-the-counter and are more likely to get a prescription for these medications.
For certain patients, NSAIDs may indeed cause fluid retention and high blood pressure. Patients who have had congestive heart failure, angina, heart attack, bypass surgery or angioplasty with stent placement should seriously consider safer alternatives.
Archives of Internal Medicine February 11, 2002;162:265-270
This is not new information and I have reported on this association previously on another study published two years ago in the same journal.
It is important to recognize here that aspirin, Advil and Motrin type drugs are available without a prescription and may cause these serious side effects. It is possible that the widespread use of these drugs is contributing to the "epidemic" of heart failure.
NSAIDs also contribute to kidney problems. About 15% of the people on dialysis today are there as a result of the damage that Tylenol and/or aspirin did to their kidneys.
Pain is a wonderful guide that is given to us to provide with some feedback so we can take action to correct the problem before it gives us further problems.
To mask the pain with these drugs makes about as much sense as driving down the road and having the oil light come up on your dashboard and choosing to put some duct tape over the dashboard so the annoying red light is removed.
The light is there for a reason, to warn you of the damage that is imminent unless you take some immediate proactive action.
Fortunately with most pain a combination of NST or EFT seems to work quite well to resolve most of the pains that one encounters.
Those with chronic arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis seem also to benefit from my rheumatoid arthritis protocol.
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Do You Use Aspirin or Tylenol Regularly? Beware as They Are Linked to Kidney Failure
NSAIDs May Harm Kidneys of Elderly
NSAIDs Cause 1 in 5 Heart Failures