Powerful painkillers 'increase chance of stroke'

Strong painkillers increase the chance of death from a stroke or heart attack, according to a study.

Comprehensive research, published in the British Medical Journal, found that powerful painkillers such as ibuprofen are not safe for the heart.

The drugs, known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) along with newer ones known as COX-2 inhibitors are known to have an effect on the heart.

Researchers emphasised that there are significant risks associated with ingesting the drugs, although the number of individuals experiencing strokes or heart attacks while on them is small.

"Although uncertainty remains", the University of Bern authors wrote in the British Medical Journal, "little evidence exists to suggest that any of the investigated drugs are safe in cardiovascular terms. Naproxen seemed least harmful.

Meanwhile, researchers at the Harvard Medical School in Boston found that those who have experienced a haemorrhagic stroke are more likely to have another stroke if they are on statins to combat heart disease.

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