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Experts warn some painkillers ‘increase the risk of heart failure’

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Common painkillers used by millions of people in the UK can increase the risk of developing heart failure, according to medical experts.

A study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) found that non-selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - like ibuprofen - could increase the risk of being admitted to hospital with a heart problem.

Previous studies have linked the drugs to abnormal heart rhythm - which can cause heart failure, and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke if taken regularly.

The research used data from almost 10 million NSAIDs users from the UK, Netherlands, Italy and Germany, who started NSAID treatment between 2000 and 2010.

The drugs are used to control pain and inflammation and are commonly taken by people with arthritis.

Overall, 92,163 hospital admissions for heart failure were identified among the group.

The study said the fact that these painkillers can be bought over the counter in supermarkets “further fuels the common misconception that NSAIDs are harmless drugs that are safe for everyone”.

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Risks: Drugs like ibuprofen are taken by arthritis sufferers (Rex)

Professor Peter Weissberg, medical director at the British Heart Foundation, said: "This large observational study reinforces previous research showing that some NSAIDs, a group of drugs commonly taken by patients with joint problems, increase the risk of developing heart failure.

"It has been known for some years now that such drugs need to be used with caution in patients with, or at high risk of, heart disease. This applies mostly to those who take them on a daily basis rather than only occasionally.

NSAIDs are commonly prescribed to treat joint problems (Getty)

"Since heart and joint problems often co-exist, particularly in the elderly, this study serves as a reminder to doctors to consider carefully how they prescribe NSAIDs, and to patients that they should only take the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time.

“They should discuss their treatment with their GP if they have any concerns.”

The Proprietary Association of Great Britain (PAGB), the UK trade association representing manufacturers of branded over-the-counter medicines, stressed the people in the study were given NSAIDs on prescription

Chief executive John Smith added: "Prescribed NSAIDs contain a higher dosage than medicines available over-the-counter (OTC), which the authors acknowledge would typically be used by younger people, at lower doses and for shorter durations than those prescribed.”

Top pic: PA