April 8, 2014

expert reaction to new research into painkillers and risk of irregular heartbeat in older adults

A large observational study in the journal BMJ Open found current and recent use of painkillers may be linked to a heightened risk of an irregular heartbeat among older adults.

Professor Colin Baigent, Deputy Director, Clinical Trial Service Unit & Epidemiological Studies Unit (CTSU), University of Oxford, said:

“This study is consistent with previous reports indicating that some NSAIDs increase the risk of atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation is just one of several cardiac hazards associated with NSAIDs, the most important of which is an increased risk of heart attacks. Although NSAIDs are very effective for the treatment of pain, it is important that both risks and benefits are considered carefully before they are prescribed.”

‘Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and the risk of atrial fibrillation: a population-based follow-up study’ by Stricker et al. published in BMJ Open on Tuesday 8 April 2014