Millions of Britons regularly taking ibuprofen for everyday aches and pains are being urged to exercise extreme caution, following alarming new research linking the common painkiller to a dramatic spike in cardiac arrest risk.
A major study has sent shockwaves through the medical community by revealing that the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – the family of medicines which includes ibuprofen – is associated with a 31% increased risk of suffering a sudden cardiac arrest.
The Hidden Dangers in Your Medicine Cabinet
Ibuprofen is one of the UK's most popular over-the-counter medications, widely used to treat everything from headaches and back pain to inflammation and fever. Its accessibility and effectiveness have made it a staple in households across the nation.
However, this new evidence presents a serious cause for concern. The research, which analysed patient data from Denmark, focused on the period immediately before a cardiac event. It found that the consumption of NSAIDs significantly elevated the probability of such a life-threatening episode.
Which Medications Are implicated?
The study specifically examined several common NSAIDs:
- Ibuprofen: The most widely used, found in brands like Nurofen.
- Diclofenac: Available over the counter in the UK until 2015, now prescription-only.
- Naproxen: Another common anti-inflammatory.
- Celecoxib: A prescription-only COX-2 inhibitor.
- Rofecoxib: Now withdrawn from the global market.
Professor Gunnar H. Gislason, who led the research, issued a stark warning: "The findings are a brutal reminder that NSAIDs are not harmless. They need to be used with caution and for a valid indication. They should probably be avoided in patients with cardiovascular disease or many cardiovascular risk factors."
How Do These Painkillers Affect Your Heart?
The danger lies in the way NSAIDs function. They work by inhibiting prostaglandins, hormones that contribute to inflammation, pain, and fever. A side effect of this process is that they also cause the arteries to constrict, which can increase blood pressure. Furthermore, they affect platelet function, making blood more likely to clot – a potentially deadly combination for cardiovascular health.
This is not the first time concerns have been raised. Previous studies have already connected NSAID use to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes, leading to updated guidelines for their use.
What This Means For You
This does not mean you must immediately discard your ibuprofen. For most healthy individuals taking it occasionally for short-term relief, the risk remains low. The primary concern is for those who:
- Take high doses regularly.
- Use it for prolonged periods.
- Have pre-existing heart conditions or risk factors (e.g., high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes).
- Are older adults.
The crucial takeaway is to always use the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. Consulting a GP or pharmacist before long-term use is more important than ever.
Professor Gislason's advice is clear: "Do not take more than 1,200mg of ibuprofen in one day... NSAIDs should only be available at pharmacies, in limited quantities, and in low doses." His stance is that their current status as a commonplace supermarket purchase is a dangerous oversight.
As always, if you have any concerns about your medication, speak directly with your doctor or a healthcare professional for personalised advice.
