Common painkiller may substantially increase the risk of heart disease

[Judi Lynn]

October 3, 2018 - 08:57
Painkillers like Voltarol and Voltaren may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease by as much as 50 per cent, according to a new study.

By: Nancy Bazilchuk, based on an article by Siw Ellen Jakobsen

You might assume that a painkiller bought at the pharmacy, without a prescription, would be relatively benign.

But a number of common non-prescription drugs for pain and inflammation might have undesirable side effects, such an increased risk of gastrointestinal problems and cardiovascular disease.

A new study shows that the biggest increase in the risk of cardiovascular disease is from the use of tablets such as Voltarol and Voltaren, which contain diclofenac as the active ingredient.

“We think it's time for people to be made aware of the risk of using diclofenac and to reduce its use,” says lead-author Morten Schmidt from Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark, speaking to Sveriges Television, the Swedish public service television company.

More:
http://sciencenordic.com/common-painkiller-may-substantially-increase-risk-heart-disease

[at140]

1. In my opinion, #1 cause of heart disease is...

lack of regular exercise. Human body evolved over millions of years of people who had to walk/run several miles every day just to survive by hunting for food. Agriculture has been present only about 1% in the human evolution span.

Lack of exercise is same as driving your car all the time in heavy traffic at 5 MPH. It will soon gum up, carbon up and kill the engine.

[Marie Marie]

5. That and genetics.

It's amazing how even just a little exercise reaps huge benefits in so many areas of the body - including the brain. But genetics can take down even those who live a healthy lifestyle.

[at140]

7. Agreed, genes play a part..I am aiming for 100

I am 78 candles, and healthier now than when I retired at age 57. I used to get chest pains after a good steak dinner in my mid-50's. If I climbed stairs to 3rd floor, I would be out of breath.

Now at 78, I require no regular medications, A1C dropped from 7 to 5, no chest pains, even my hip joint pain is gone. And all I did after retiring early at 57 due to miserable health, was to join a golf club where I could play unlimited golf for a fixed monthly dues. Started walking 9 holes, then rent a riding card for back 9. After a few months, I could walk all 18 holes pushing my golf bag cart. 18 holes walking is about 6 miles. I played 3-4 times every week. Slowly my hip joint pain disappeared, my pre-diabetic sugar levels dropped to acceptable normal, and I got off blood pressure pills.

I can't say enough good things about regular exercise. My father succumbed to heart attack at age 68. Both my uncles on mother's side died of heart attacks in their 60's. The way I feel now, I could reach age 100 without a heart attack. My LDL is higher than recommended, but I hate taking any kind of pills, and there was a study recently which said high LDL does not cause clogging of arteries. My LDL has been high since 1986. So long as I keep up the exercise routine, I ain't going to worry about it.

[Jane Austin]

2. I have never heard of this drug.

Is it sold in the US?

[mopinko]

4. yup. prescribed to me for arthritis/fibro pain.

[bobbieinok]

6. Me too. Second dr took me off. IIRC because of age (diclofenac)

[defacto7]

8. Nor have I

[lunasun]

3. Remember Vioxx? Took a lot to get it off the market

https://www.robinskaplan.com/resources/articles/vioxx-pulled-off-the-market-because-of-increased-risk-of-heart-attack-and-stroke