6 Common Medications to Avoid if You Suffer From Heart Failure

Short-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) is associated with a first-time heart failure hospitalization in people with type 2 diabetes, according to a new study.

The most popular type of anti-inflammatory drug is NSAIDs. The most widely used NSAIDs are:

Aspirin
Ibuprofen (often referred to as Advil).
Naproxen (known by the brand name Aleve and Naprosyn)
Aspirin
Celebrex
Meloxicam

Nevertheless, some medications can have negative effects while being widely used.

According to the study, one in six hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes used at least one NSAID prescription within a year.

Doctors generally advise patients to speak with their physician before beginning a new medicine.

Given the findings from this study, physicians will hopefully consider the risks when prescribing NSAIDs.

There isn't enough data on people with type 2 diabetes; however, NSAID use has been associated with an increased risk of heart failure in the general population. Since type 2 diabetics are more likely to have heart failure than people without the condition, NSAIDs may be much more dangerous in these individuals.

331,189 participants with type 2 diabetes were included in the study. There were 44% women and a 62-year-old median age. 16% of patients reported at least one NSAID prescription during the first year following study enrollment, and 3% reported at least three prescriptions. 12.2% of patients utilized ibuprofen, 3.3% used diclofenac, 0.9% used naproxen, and 0.4% used celecoxib.

A total of 23,308 patients experienced their first heart failure hospitalization throughout the course of 5.85 years. Patients who required long-term NSAID therapy due to rheumatological disease or heart failure were not eligible.

Information on prescriptions for oral NSAIDs (celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, and naproxen) was acquired before the first heart failure hospitalization. A case-crossover method was used to investigate the relationships between short-term NSAID use and the likelihood of being admitted to the hospital for the first time due to heart failure. Each patient acted as their own control in this method.

An increased likelihood of hospitalization for the first time due to heart failure was linked to NSAID use. Diclofenac or ibuprofen use was associated with a higher risk of heart failure hospitalization. Celecoxib and naproxen were not linked to an elevated risk, possibly as a result of the low number of reported prescriptions.

The researchers also examined the risk of heart failure associated with the use of NSAIDs. Patients with normal glycated hemoglobin, a sign of well-controlled diabetes, showed no connection. Strong relationships were detected in patients above 65 years of age, but no association was found in those below 65 years of age. The strongest correlation was discovered among very infrequent or new NSAID users.

The study did not contain information on the usage of NSAIDs purchased over the counter.

Overall, scientists cannot conclude that NSAIDs cause heart failure in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, the findings imply that when considering the use of these drugs, a potential elevated risk of heart failure should be taken into account. For patients under 65 and those with well-controlled diabetes, however, the statistics suggest that it may be safe to give short-term NSAIDs.

If you have type 2 diabetes, you should always consult with a doctor before starting a new medication. Some medications, even popular ones like Advil or ibuprofen, can have serious side effects, such as heart failure. Your body might react differently to certain medications.

It is also important to remember that there is no recognized cure for type 2 diabetes, but losing weight, eating healthy, and exercising often can help you manage the disease. If diet and exercise aren't enough to manage your blood sugar, you might need to consult a doctor about diabetes medications or insulin treatments.