Pharmacy News: People using Painkillers widely used to treat inflammation are associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm disorder connected with a raised risk of stroke, heart failure and death. Previous research has linked non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and newer anti-inflammatory medications known as cox-2 inhibitors to an increased risk for heart attacks and strokes.

The link was strongest among new users of the drugs, with a 70 percent increased risk for cox-2 inhibitors and a 40 percent increase in risk for non-selective NSAIDs. The increased risk is equal to about seven extra cases of atrial fibrillation per 1,000 new users of cox-2 inhibitors and about four extra cases per 1,000 new users of non-selective NSAIDs.

They also found that the risk when starting treatment with cox-2 inhibitors seemed highest in older people and patients with chronic kidney disease or rheumatoid arthritis. They adds evidence that atrial fibrillation or flutter need to be added to the cardiovascular risks under consideration when prescribing NSAIDs. There is evidence that these medicines affected the heart, but did not have evidence that it affected the rhythm of the heart.