Ibuprofen Increases Risk of Cardiovascular Death

Ibuprofen Increases Risk of Cardiovascular Death

How much harm can popping a couple Advils do?  According to a new study out of Denmark, more than you would imagine. 

A group of very common over the counter pain medications known as NSAIDs (Nonsteriodal Anitinflammatory Drugs) have been shown to increase the risk of death due to stroke.  Typically we assume that anyone who has an adverse reaction to medications like Advil has been taking them for an extended period of time, but the researchers in this study found that many of the people who died had only been taking the drugs for a two week period.  The doses that were measured in the Danish study were similar to what someone would take for treating chronic pain, about three tablets per day. “ We found that most NSAIDs are associated with increased cardiovascular mortality and morbidity,” says researcher Emil Loldrup Fosbol, MD, of Gentofte University Hospital in Hellerup, Denmark. 

My take…

Couple days ago I had a person call the office because he had questions about his back pain.  He told me that he spoke with his MD who told him that he could take 10 tablets of ibuprofen a day, without any limitation to the duration.  I also spoke with a friend who was told by an orthopedist to “take them (NSAIDs) like candy.” 

For too long we have taken medications such as ibuprofen with disregard for the side effects associated with these medications.  You can see the side effects associated with ibuprofen by clicking drugs.com.  Most people are surprised that an our the counter medication such as ibuprofen can cause such serious sides effects. 

Ibuprofen has it’s place, but it is meant to be used for pain relief in the short term and not to rely on for ongoing pain relief.  Pain is a message that something is wrong with the body, much like check engine light in your car.  Ibuprofen is a way to mask the symptoms, but it doesn’t fix the underlying problem.  Use ibuprofen for acute pain relief if you have to and fix the problem that is causing the symptoms. 

Chiropractic addresses the cause of the problem and eliminates the need for harmful medications.  If you’re experiencing pain, speak to a chiropractor and see if you’re a candidate for chiropractic care.  For more information about our office check out the about us page.  If you would like specific information on conditions that we treat you can click the following links: neck pain, back pain, headaches, sports injuries, auto accidents.