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Pain Relief Tricky for Heart Patient

Q. I suffer from heart disease and take aspirin and Plavix as blood thinners as well as Lipitor and fish oil to lower cholesterol. The medical literature suggests that ibuprofen interferes with the heart benefits of aspirin and may cause an increase in heart attacks. I need an anti-inflammatory drug for muscle aches and joint pain. What can I take safely?

A. Low-dose aspirin appears to protect against heart attacks, but NSAID pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve) and diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren) might counteract this benefit. NSAIDs raise blood pressure, cause fluid retention and can worsen heart failure. Such drugs can be hard on the digestive tract and kidneys. They can also interact with Plavix to increase the risk of GI bleeding.

Acetaminophen may be a safer option, or you might want to consider food remedies. Many readers have found gin-soaked raisins, tart cherry juice, pineapple juice or grape juice mixed with vinegar or with Certo helpful.

For more details on such home remedies, anti-inflammatory herbs and topical NSAIDs, we are sending you our brand new Guide to Alternatives for Arthritis.

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About the Author
Terry Graedon, PhD, is a medical anthropologist and co-host of The People’s Pharmacy radio show, co-author of The People’s Pharmacy syndicated newspaper columns and numerous books, and co-founder of The People’s Pharmacy website. Terry taught in the Duke University School of Nursing and was an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology. She is a Fellow of the Society of Applied Anthropology. Terry is one of the country's leading authorities on the science behind folk remedies..
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