Arthritis Tied to Heart Disease. Pain Relievers May Be to Blame. - The New York Times
Pain relievers such as ibuprofen and naproxen may account for higher rates of heart disease and stroke in those with osteoarthritis.
After controlling for socioeconomic status, body mass index, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and other health factors, they calculated that 41 percent of the increased risk for any cardiovascular event was attributable to the use of NSAIDs.
there are alternative medicines that can be used for the pain of osteoarthritis. “Have a conversation with your physician” about risks and benefits, he said. “Sometimes the treatment is worse than the disease.”