![]() How much should you worry about the heart risk of NSAIDs? If you take low-dose aspirin and another NSAID, be sure to take the aspirin at least 60 minutes before the pain relieving NSAID. However, some studies suggest that other NSAIDs may interfere with aspirin's ability to prevent clots and the heart attacks they cause. It increases the risk of bleeding, but when used appropriately, it has a net benefit for heart health for those at high risk of future heart problems because it prevents the clotting that leads to heart attacks and strokes. (See "NSAID alternatives for arthritis.") What about low-dose aspirin?Īspirin is an NSAID, too. These add-ons to pain relievers include heat or cold, physical therapy, exercise, and weight loss-especially if the problem is arthritis. By deploying a range of remedies, you may be able to reduce your need for NSAIDs or even eliminate it. NSAIDs are not the only way to control muscle and joint pain. ![]() They may require daily doses of medication just to function or get a good night's sleep. People with chronic muscle or joint pain-pain that lasts for several months or more-are in a different situation when it comes to NSAIDs. If an NSAID is your only option to provide enough pain relief, you and your doctor may decide this added risk may be worth taking. If you are at above-average risk of heart problems and use NSAIDs, how much does your risk go up? An analysis comparing prior research of diclofenac, celecoxib or ibuprofen estimated that 7 to 8 extra cardiovascular events (such as heart attack) would occur each year among 1000 people taking these drugs for those taking naproxen, no increased risk was observed. That is especially true for people with an above-average chance of heart problems because of older age, overweight, smoking, high cholesterol or blood pressure, or a previous heart attack or stroke. The reason why is not fully understood, but the evidence is consistent enough to warrant extra caution. Some studies have shown that people who take NSAIDs also have more heart attacks.
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