Study Finds NSAIDs Raise Heart Disease Risk in Osteoarthritis Patients

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Although novel, even disease-modifying therapies for OA are in development now, NSAIDs are still widely used by patients to manage joint pain.⁷ The 2019 ACR/Arthritis Foundation Guideline for the Management of Osteoarthritis of the Hand, Hip and Knee includes oral NSAIDs as one of its recommendations.⁸ Thus, it is important for rheumatologists and other healthcare providers to watch for signs of CVD and discuss the risks of NSAID use with their patients, says Prof. Anis.

“We now know that the use of NSAIDs plays a substantial role in developing cardiovascular diseases among people with OA. The findings of this study highlight the importance of monitoring for cardiovascular adverse effects among OA patients,” he says. “Patients should receive counseling so they know the risks and use NSAIDs cautiously.”

Susan Bernstein is a freelance journalist.

References

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