Arthritis medication can put a strain on the heart

NSAIDS, which can be prescribed for the treatment of painful conditions, fever and inflammation, can prove to be more dangerous than people realise, according to a recent study.

The study, which was carried out in collaboration between 14 European universities and hospitals, including a number of leading European heart specialists, shows that as well as side effects including the risk of ulcers and increased blood pressure, arthritis medicine can be particularly dangerous for heart patients. 

In addition, older types of arthritis medicine, which have not previously been in focus, also appear to be dangerous for the heart.

Morten Schmidt, MD and PhD from Aarhus University, who is in charge of the research project, said: "This is worrying, because these older types of medicine are frequently used throughout the western world and in many countries available without prescription."