NSAIDS Increase Cardiovascular Risk In Osteoarthritis

Last year, we posted a blog entry about growing concerns regarding the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs).  NSAIDs include over the counter medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve), as well as prescription drugs like Celebrex.  Although these medications have been shown to reduce pain in patients with osteoarthritis, research has suggested a possible link with cardiovascular disease.  A recent presentation by Dr. Aslam Anis to the 2018 Congress of the European League Against Rheumatism confirmed these risks.  Dr. Anis, who is a researcher at the University of British Columbia, presented some startling findings:

“the risk for congestive heart failure increased by 44.8% with NSAID use, the risk for ischemic heart disease increased by 94.5%, and the risk for stroke increased by 93.3%.”

Despite the fact that many patients rely on these medications for relief, these findings demonstrate how important it is to try to find alternative options for pain control, such as chiropractic, physiotherapy and acupuncture.