How Painkillers Like Advil, Motrin Increase Heart Attack & Stroke Risk

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The Food and Drug Administration has renewed the "Drug Facts" label on all painkillers that can be classified as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs. According to the agency, NSAIDs were found to increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, especially for those who have a history of heart disease. These side effects do not only develop over a period of time but in the short run as well. 

In generic terms, NSAIDs come in drugs like ibuprofen, naproxen and COX-2 inhibitors. NBC News explains that popular ibuprofen brands include Advil and Motrin, while Aleve is a well-known naproxen brand. Meanwhile, COX-2 can be found in arthritis medicines, such as Celebrex. 

Eric Pahon, spokesperson for the FDA, explained to NBC the risks of taking these drugs: "They used to say they might cause risk of heart attack or stroke. Now we are saying they do cause increased risk of heart attack and stroke."

According to the official report released by the agency, NSAIDs can raise the risk of heart attack and stroke within a couple of weeks of consumption. In addition, the dangerous side effects of NSAIDs can continue to rise the longer the drug is used.

Judy Racoosin, M.D., M.P.H., deputy director of FDA's Division of Anesthesia, Analgesia, and Addiction Products, said that when using these types of drugs there is always a risk. She added that everyone's heart is at risk when taking NSAIDs, not just of people who have symptoms of cardiovascular disease.   

Choose Wisely explains that NSAIDs can cause high blood pressure, which in turn can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Even worse, NSAIDs seem to have the ability to nullify or reduce the effects of blood pressure drugs.  

In addtion, NSAIDs cause the body to retain fluid, which can aggrevate existing symptoms of heart failure, like shortness of breath, swollen ankles and rapid or irregular heartbeat.   

Meanwhile, Harvard Health Publications states that these types of drug can cause a form of arterial-clogging, known as atherosclerosis. High blood pressure and damage to the blood vessel's ability to soften and stimulate the arteries can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. This heart condition is diagnosed when the arteries are found to be hard and narrow, causing a blockage and low blood flow, reports Web MD. 

NHS differientiates between a heart attack and stroke. A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked. Whereas, a stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked. Since athersclerois can cause blockage and decrease blood flow, there is a high chance that a person with this condition can have a heart attack or a stroke.