Research on Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs

[Marytew]

Hi

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/252...

Following a question raised earlier this week regarding possible problems associated with taking Ibuprofen (a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) and AFib, I came across a very interesting piece of research that can be accessed through the above link. The title of the study is ‘Expert reaction to NSAIDs and atrial fibrillation’ and the following conclusions were drawn:

•Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use was associated with a 12% increased risk for atrial fibrillation incidence (relative risk 1.12, 95% confidence interval 1.06 to 1.18).

•The association was found to be greater among new users, with a 53% increase in the risk.

•These findings suggest that atrial fibrillation needs to be added to the cardiovascular risks to be considered when prescribing nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

For consideration - the researchers did note that ‘the study population was based in Taiwan and that the majority of AFib epidemiologic research has been done in predominantly Caucasian populations, and therefore findings do need to be replicated in other ethnic groups’ – nevertheless I thought that the study was helpful with regards to this discussion.

[Finvola]

Yes, this is similar to the findings of the Danish group and it is certainly something to be aware of.

[BobD Volunteer]

Yes. more recent than the Danish study I think but similar conclusions . Thank you .

[AIW58]

thanks I had a look too at the some of the papers and on the NHS website 'behind the headlines' section see below

nhs.uk/news/medication/risk...

I wouldn't say NSAIDs cause AF because then everyone who takes NSAIDS would get AF but there seems to be an association. I was never asked about my use of NSAIDs when I first presented with AF (I rarely take it anyway). It's not conclusive but surely worth it being raised with the patient who could then experiment with using alternative pain killers. I shall do a straw poll of some the docs I work with when I go back to see what they know about the link.

[dkfromTN]

I found this study too and shared with my cardiologist after I had an Afib event after applying a topical NSAID for the first time. He’s supposed to read the study. I go back later this month for a stress test. Interested in hearing his thoughts. He had not heard of NSAIDs triggering Afib—at least not topical NSAIDs

[jedimasterlincoln]

Both this and the danish studies have similar conclusions which is interesting/useful