Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs in short, are quite commonly prescribed by doctors and used by a large number of patients. Until now, the focus has been on eliminating their negative impact on the human digestive system. This has been a major success, but it has recently become clear that NSAIDs may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. This includes myocardial infarction, stroke and other thrombotic complications. The problem is very big and the answer to which drugs from this group may be dangerous is very clear and to what extent there is still no NSAID in hypertension.
Traditional NSAIDs have a negative impact on the treatment of patients with hypertension or heart failure. However, doctors have been aware of this for a long time, so NSAIDs are not used in this group of patients. This is not the case for patients who have normal blood pressure and healthy kidneys. In their case, NSAIDs do not have a significant effect on the increase in blood pressure, which is why they can use them.
Unfortunately, it turns out that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may also increase the risk of clotting. Specialists have observed that this negative prothrombotic effect of NSAIDs on patients becomes a particular risk for individuals with atherosclerotic lesions in the arteries or prone to thrombosis due to other causes.NSAIDs and cardiovascular diseases
Subsequent studies have shown that different types of NSAIDs can also increase the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke, among other things. The risk is highest in the group of patients who use chronic drugs and in those who are at high cardiovascular risk.NSAIDs and acetylsalicylic acid in cardiovascular doses
It has long been known that acetylsalicylic acid in cardiological doses increases the risk of symptomatic or complicated ulcerations affecting the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract. Its combination with individual types of NSAIDs further increases this risk. In order to avoid such a situation, the specialists therefore recommend that adequate intervals be maintained between their admissions. If acetylsalicylic acid is taken first, NSAIDs can only be taken after 2 hours. Conversely, NSAIDs should be taken at least 8 hours earlier than acetylsalicylic acid. How can NSAIDs reduce cardiovascular risks?
The physician should make every effort to thoroughly review the case of each patient who is at risk of cardiovascular disease. In this way, it will be possible to take steps to reduce the risks arising from the adoption of NSAIDs. Close monitoring of blood pressure, emerging swelling and kidney function, possible reduction in NSAIDs, as well as withdrawal or change of medication if necessary - these are just some of the basic measures that should be taken by every specialist.
