Health - Wellness
Taking Ibuprofen Every Day Has An Unexpected Effect On Your Heart
By BETH BRADFORD
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). While it's effective for temporary relief from aches and pains, taking it daily can be bad for your heart.
A 2011 meta-analysis published in BMJ found that daily ibuprofen users faced three times the risk of stroke and twice the risk for cardiovascular death compared to a placebo.
The risk of heart attack is 61% higher, and the risk of death is 77% greater, as ibuprofen can cause sodium and water retention, leading to increased blood pressure.
A 2020 Nature Reviews Cardiology review recommends that people with cardiovascular disease avoid NSAIDs due to the increased risks of heart failure and high blood pressure.
The researchers suggested that people with cardiovascular disease should opt for physical therapy, exercise, and weight management to manage their pain and cardiovascular risk.