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Pain Relievers and Cardiovascular Risk

Popular pain relievers have been linked to serious cardiovascular complications. A meta-analysis of 31 studies that included more than 100,000 people found that daily use of drugs such as naproxen, ibuprofen, diclofenac, celecoxib, and rofecoxib increase the chance of dying from a heart attack or stroke. The increased risk was between two and four times higher than people taking inactive placebos. Vioxx, no longer available in the U.S., was associated with the highest risk of heart disease. Ibuprofen was the drug associated with the highest risk of stroke. Millions of Americans take ibuprofen or naproxen over the counter, and many are unaware of their side effects. The investigators conclude that none of these drugs should be considered safe in cardiovascular terms, but naproxen appeared least harmful.
[BMJ, Jan. 11, 2011]

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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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