6/13/2024
Higher doses of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, including ischemic heart disease, stroke, and congestive heart failure, according to a recent study published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.
This study used the Korean National Health Insurance database to include patients who were newly diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and had no previous cardiovascular disease (CVD). The data was from 2010 to 2018. The patients’ use of NSAIDs was carefully monitored over time, considering the dosage during each period. The study used statistical methods to explore how NSAID use affected the risk of developing CVD.
In a study of 19,775 patients (average age 36, with 75% being male), nearly all (19,706) were treated with NSAIDs. Over the course of the follow-up period, 1,663 people developed cardiovascular disease (CVD). This included 1,157 cases of ischemic heart disease, 301 strokes, and 613 instances of congestive heart failure.
The study found that higher doses of NSAIDs were linked to an increased risk of developing these heart-related issues. For every increase in NSAID dosage, the risk of developing any cardiovascular disease increased by 10%, ischemic heart disease by 8%, stroke by 9%, and congestive heart failure by 12%.
The study has implications for patients using NSAIDs long term, suggesting that dose reduction should be considered, particularly when disease activity is controlled.
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