Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs May Trigger Heart Damage

These medications can increase one's risk of heart damage, especially for diabetics

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STORY AT-A-GLANCE

• Commonly prescribed to treat pain, NSAIDs are linked to an increased risk of heart failure in people with Type 2 diabetes.
• Data show that people with diabetes have twice the risk of heart failure without using NSAIDs, and have a higher risk of chronic low back pain and degenerative lumbar spine disorders, which may increase the potential they use NSAIDs.
• Decades of research haven’t supported a correlation between cholesterol and heart disease. Dr. Malcolm Kendrick asserts that there’s a thrombogenic pathology responsible for heart attacks. He recommends avoiding NSAIDs, as they trigger platelet aggregation, making blood clots more likely.
• Heart failure occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t function efficiently. Data show that supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D can lower complications from, and the risk of, heart failure.
• Anti-inflammatory properties of some foods and supplements have demonstrated efficacy similar to diclofenac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug commonly prescribed for mild to moderate arthritis. Consider curcumin, frankincense, capsaicin, omega-3 fatty acids, and fermented and cultured foods to help lower inflammation and control pain.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)1 are used to treat mild to moderate pain. Research2 presented at the European Society of Cardiology in August demonstrated that these over-the-counter pain medications can increase the risk for heart failure in individuals who have Type 2 diabetes.

NSAIDs are used to treat such conditions as back pain, sprains, strains, headaches, migraines, osteoarthritis, and menstrual cramps. Low back pain is a common global issue that’s the leading cause of years lived with disability.3