Which Class of Painkiller is Tied to Increased Risk of Heart Attacks?

These days, over-the-counter drugs have become a major cause of concern and especially for those people who are suffering from some type of heart problem. Painkillers are being consumed like candy by many people for the most simplest of ailments, which include even some minor aches and pains. This trend of popping painkillers is emerging to be a root cause of additional problems such as increasing the risk of heart attack. There are quite a few studies which link the role of painkillers worsening an already existing heart problem in a patient, if not exactly actually causing heart problems. This guide talks about the commonly used painkillers and the role they play in increasing the risk of heart attacks. One needs to be sure about the problems associated with the excessive usage of painkillers and heart ailments, as painkillers can make you prone to getting a heart attack with regular usage.

In common terms, there is a high usage of the painkillers which can prove to be primarily responsible for increasing the rate of heart attacks. There is no specific time duration as such which has been allotted for the usage of painkillers and the risk of heart attack. What is known for sure is that the increased usage of painkillers substantially increases the risk for having a heart attack. Painkillers can actually aggravate an existing heart problem. The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers play a major role in increasing the risk of heart attack by up to 50%. Some of the common painkillers which are tied to increase in the risk of heart attack are: ibuprofen, diclofenac and naproxen. These drugs are used persistently by the majority of the population and play a major role in increasing the risk of heart attacks. Though, these medicines are used as major pain relievers, but from a long term perspective, these medicines can cause an acute form of myocardial infarction, which can be apparent when higher doses of these medications are used.

There are many classes of painkillers and given below are some of the common painkillers and their associated link with increasing of heart attacks. Some of the common painkillers tied to slight rise in heart attack risk are as follows:

• Acetaminophen: This medication is bad news for those people who are already suffering from heart-related ailments. Acetaminophen is effective in relieving many types of pain; however, this common painkiller also affects a person’s mental health, which leads to stress and which eventually affects the heart. If the intake of acetaminophen is excessive, then patient is prone to developing a heart attack indirectly.
• Aspirin: One of the common painkillers used in USA, aspirin is a cause of concern for those who are already having loads of problems related with heart. This is the cheapest drug available in the market and is considered responsible for making people more viable to heart attacks. If a patient is already suffering from cardiovascular problems, then using aspirin can prove to be a big mistake and in such cases, patients are advised to get this medication replaced and use some other painkiller.
• Hydrocodone: This painkiller like many other painkillers can prove to be highly effective for relieving pain, however, from the overall health perspective it can lead you into high state of intoxication which can prove to be highly problematic for your overall health. Keep in mind the dosage that you should take; otherwise, complications can hit an all time high and you will be more prone to falling prey to the increased risk of heart attack owing to the usage of Hydrocodone.
• Ibuprofen: This medication is categorized under NSAIDs and is used in minor pains. Studies have indicated that there are chances of increased risk of heart attacks when there is an increased usage of Ibuprofen or other NSAIDs.
• Marijuana: This painkiller has a major effect in relieving the pain, as it decreases the brain’s sensitivity to feel the pain. But Marijuana, when used in long term, does give a feeling of being high, which taxes your brain and heart. One needs to be very watchful regarding the dosage or quantity of Marijuana and should be taken under doctor’s supervision only.
• Fentanyl: This painkiller also falls in the category of drugs, which leads to mental fog and has a direct link with the problems associated with heart risks. If any medication is taken in regular dosage, then the chances of complications are less, but if you have been very ignorant about the painkiller you are taking, then your problems will recoil. Our heart needs to be protected and for this reason you should consult your doctor before taking any medication for pain relief.

One should take painkillers only when required and should not abuse the use of painkillers. Limited use of painkillers and taking them under supervision is fine for heart health and its associated risks. Not only painkillers, taking any type of medication on your own without medical advice can be very problematic and one has to be cautious if already suffering from existing heart problems. A pre-existing condition of heart health proves to be very critical, especially when you are on a pain relief medication. So, it is always recommended to take medical opinion, so that there is no increase in the risk of heart attack. Many painkillers are available in the market, but you should try to seek natural pain relief though methods like warm compresses, ice application, light massage, physiotherapy etc. to avoid unnecessary risk to our precious heart and body.