Painkillers 'raise risk of early death in heart attack survivors' At the end of the first year after a heart attack, those who had received at least one NSAID prescription were 59 per cent more likely to have died of any cause, than those who did not take them. After five years, this mortality difference persisted - in fact the gap had grown to 64 per cent. It is likely those prescribed NSAIDs were less healthy than the others, and so more likely to die sooner. However, the researchers, from Copenhagen University Hospital, said they had adjusted for health differences as well as other factors including age, sex, income, and the year they were hospitalised for their heart attack. Writing in Circulation, published by the American Heart Association, they concluded that NSAIDs were most probably causing heart attack survivors to die earlier. Dr Anne-Marie Schjerning Olsen, the lead author, said: "It is important to get the message out to clinicians taking care of patients with cardiovascular disease that NSAIDs are harmful, even several years after a heart attack." Over-the-counter sale should be re-evaluated, she argued. Concerns over the effect of NSAIDs among people at high risk of heart attack and stroke have been raised before. Different NSAIDs appear to confer different levels of risk, with diclofenac being more risky than prescription-grade ibuprofen. Taking low doses of ibuprofen is unlikely to significantly raise the risk, previous research suggests. Maureen Talbot, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said: "This study supports what we already know about these painkillers. The potential risks mean that this type of drug tends to be prescribed with caution and only taken for short periods. It's always a good idea to make sure you understand what your medication is for and are aware of any possible side effects. If you've had a heart attack, make sure you have a chat with your doctor before taking any extra tablets. However, if you're a heart attack survivor who has been prescribed these painkillers, don't stop taking your medication. Book an appointment with your GP to talk through any concerns you might have. Leyla Hannbeck, a pharmacisy and spokesman for the National Pharmacy Association, said all drugs had potential benefits and risks, but this research was no reason to pull ibuprofen from the shelves. "If you are concerned you should talk to your pharmacist before buying medication," she said.