Anti-inflammatory drugs may boost cardio risk

Anti-inflammation drugs offered to those with brain injury or a physical disability may be causing further heart problems in patients.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and new generation COX-2 inhibitor treatments have been linked to harmful outcomes in patients, according to a trial by Swiss researchers published in the British Medical Journal.

However, researchers were keen to point out that the harmful outcomes were low.

Three drugs in particular stood out against the placebo group. Rofecozib and lumiracoxib were associated with twice the risk of heart attack, while ibuprofen was associated with three times the risk of stroke.

Commenting on the findings, the authors state: "Although uncertainty remains, little evidence exists to suggest that any of the investigated drugs are safe in cardiovascular terms.

"Cardiovascular risk needs to be taken into account when prescribing any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug."

Meanwhile, recent research published in the Lancet indicated that heart attack patients who are given more antithrombotic drugs have an increased risk of hospital admissions for bleeding.

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