Cardiovascular Risks of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of this article was to examine literature from the last 10 years surrounding cardiovascular risks associated with NSAID use. METHODS: A systematic search was developed to include randomized control trials and systematic review meta-analyses that focused on the cardiovascular effects associated with NSAID use. RESULTS: The search and screen identified 10 articles published in the last 10 years to be included in the review. DISCUSSION: The most common cardiovascular risks studied in the included literature were hemodynamic effects and myocardial infarction. The evidence in the included studies suggests that concerns of adverse hemodynamic effects may be overstated with short-term NSAID use. Myocardial infarction was shown to be a very serious, but rare, side effect associated with NSAID use. Practitioners should weigh this risk when using NSAIDs in patients with an increased risk of MI at baseline. Other included studies described risks of Kounis syndrome, QTc prolongation, and potential reversal of right ventricular dysfunction in patients using NSAIDs.