Are Common Painkillers More Dangerous Than We Think?
Many patients are prescribed NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) for the treatment of various painful conditions, inflammation or just for a fever.
Did you know that for certain individuals this may come with some serious side effects?
Those side effects include ulcers and higher blood pressure.
A major study has compiled all this research in this particular area and found that arthritis medicine in particular is dangerous for heart patients.
Now it has been known for a few years now that COX-2 inhibitors which are a form of prescription NSAIDs can increase your risk of a heart attack.
Now they are indicating that more common forms of NSAIDs many that are non-prescription may be dangerous for heart patients.
New Guidelines:
This study was conducted in Europe and as a result, of the compilation of data, the European Society of Cardiology has for the first time formulated a number of recommendations for doctors before they prescribe painkillers to their patients.
There are numerous recommendations, but the big one is that NSAIDs are not to be used in patients who have or are a high-risk for cardiovascular diseases according to Professor in cardiology Christian Torp-Pederson, Aalborg University, Denmark.
Alternative Solutions:
There are natural painkillers that you can try as an alternative solution, but if you have been diagnosed with a cardiovascular disease always check with your physician before trying some of these to make sure they don’t interact with other medications you may be taking.
1. Willow Bark
Used to lower inflammation treat headaches, low back pain and osteoarthritis just to name a few. Can be brewed like a tea and also comes as a capsule or liquid supplement.
Avoid if you are taking warfarin or other anticoagulant medicines.
2. Turmeric
Turmeric is used to treat indigestion, ulcers, psoriasis and some who have osteoarthritis have turned to turmeric as a natural pain reliever with lowering inflammation.
3. Cloves
May help to relieve pain that is associated with headaches and arthritic conditions. The active ingredient is called eugenol which is a natural pain reliever.
4. Acupuncture
This is an ancient Chinese medical practice that balances the body’s natural energy pathways to seek pain relief.
A study published in the Journal of American Medical Association Internal Medicine found that acupuncture helped relieve pain associated with osteoarthritis and various sources of chronic pain.
5. Heat and Ice
This is probably the most common home remedies we know of, but some don’t really understand when they should be using which one.
Shortly after an injury occurs such as a strained muscle, tendon or ligament applying ice will reduce the swelling and inflammation.
Then once the inflammation has subsided the heat may reduce the stiffness and promote blood flow to the area and with that brings nutrients to help with the repair process of the injured area.
Summary:
If you are at risk for heart disease of any form be sure to speak with your doctor about NSAIDs and also consider trying alternative natural remedies instead of always resorting to the painkiller bottle we all have in our medicine cabinet.
References:
http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1357513
http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2015/09/27/eurheartj.ehv505
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