Dr Chris: Ibuprofen can increase risk of heart attack In the UK many of us rely on over-the-counter painkillers to help us with a number of common aches, pains and illnesses. Among the most popular drugs you can buy from pharmacies include paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin. While these may work to get rid of whatever ailment we have, as with any medication they come with the risk of side effects.
And the NHS has warned that certain people might need to avoid taking ibuprofen due to the increased risk of heart failure or stroke. The health body said you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking ibuprofen in any form if you “have heart disease or mild to moderate heart failure, or have ever had a stroke”. This is also the case if you have high blood pressure as the drug could be considered unsafe for you.
READ MORE The 75p red juice that could slash blood pressure and protect the heart If you are suffering from heart problems you should check with your GP before taking ibuprofen (Image: Getty) Experts at Harvard Medical School explained why ibuprofen can be risky for those with pre-existing heart issues. The medication is a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which “pose a risk to the cardiovascular system for two main reasons”. Quoting Harvard professor Doctor Elliott Antman, a cardiologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital and lead author of guidelines on NSAID use published by the American Heart Association (AHA), the Harvard Health Publi.