NSAIDs Increase Heart Attack Risk

Systematic review followed by an individual patient data meta-analysis concluded that all non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including naproxen, were found to be associated with an increased risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Risk of AMI with celecoxib was comparable to that of traditional NSAIDS and was lower than for rofecoxib. Risk was greatest during the first month of NSAID use and with higher doses. A cohort of 446 763 individuals including 61 460 with AMI was acquired. Taking any dose of NSAIDs for one week, one month, or more than a month was associated with an increased risk of AMI. With use for one to seven days the probability of increased AMI risk (posterior probability of odds ratio >1.0) was 92% for celecoxib, 97% for ibuprofen, and 99% for diclofenac, naproxen, and rofecoxib. The corresponding odds ratios were 1.24 for celecoxib, 1.48 for ibuprofen, 1.50 for diclofenac, 1.53 for naproxen, and 1.58 for rofecoxib. Greater risk of AMI was documented for higher dose of NSAIDs. With use for longer than one month, risks did not appear to exceed those associated with shorter durations. Source: http://www.bmj.com/