Dr. Emil L. Fosbol, a cardiologist at Gentofte University Hospital in Hellerup. Study confirms that the cardiovascular risk is indeed increased when healthy individuals use NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) in an analysis of national medical records of more than one million Danes from 1997 to 2005 -- varied widely. Participants, whose average age was 39, who used:
ibuprofen had a 29 percent greater risk of fatal or nonfatal stroke.
rofecoxib (Vioxx) use was associated with a 66 percent increased risk.
diclofenac (Voltaren and Cataflam) was associated with a 91 percent higher risk of death from all cardiovascular diseases.
For people taking the largest doses:
diclofenac was associated with a doubled risk of heart attack.
rofecoxib (Vioxx) was associated with a threefold increased risk of heart attack.
naproxen (Aleve ) use was associated with no increased risk of cardiovascular problems -- indeed, a slightly lower risk of death.
A warning applies especially to people who exercise regularly and are thus more likely to take an NSAID for muscle and joint pain. Regular use of an NSAID increases the risk not only of cardiovascular problems but also of bleeding. In fact, the Danish study found an increased incidence of major bleeding events, some fatal, from all NSAIDs except celecoxib (Celebrex). Celecoxib did not appear to raise the risk of coronary death or stroke either. "The majority of studies have shown that naproxen has a safe cardiovascular risk profile.
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