Researchers working on an international study from the UK and Canada have linked non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. The study, published in the journal PLoS Medicine, showed the findings from the research team’s systematic review of 51 large scale studies of NSAIDs in the US, Canada, Europe and Australia.

In some cases, the increase rose by nearly a third. Patients with heart concerns using NSAIDs like diclofenac and indomethacin showed a greater risk than patients with no heart issues. Other common NSAIDs, however, did not appear to be linked. Those include NSAIDs like naproxyn and low dose ibuprofen.

The researchers are urging patients concerned about the findings to talk with their health care practitioner before taking any actions. “...In choosing which one of the many available NSAIDs to use, patients and doctors would benefit from knowledge of the balance between benefit and harm for individual NSAIDs,” said lead researcher Dr. Patricia McGettigan.

For more information on this study please visit http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/235160.php.