Toneman,
Thanks for the post.
1) exactly how do the NSAIDS drugs cause a risk for heart attack
Unfortunately no one specifically know the answer to this question. There are multiple hypothesis from the increase in blood pressure, increased thrombosis and a direct effect on plaque stability. There is also variability in each drug.
2) Would you consider them safe with my current condition. I would like the pain relief but also want to keep the old heart safe. This is my 2nd post in six months so it will be my last for a while.
It's impossible to tell you specifically what medicines you should or shouldn't take. Certainly, if your pain symptoms effect your quality of life, then the side effects of any particular medicine may be worth taking. I would discuss your concerns with your physician.
good luck
Do you have a BP monitor at home? Check your BP while on Celebrex. My husband is on Celebrex for the last 4 yrs and it doesn't effect his BP at all.
Me however, I cannot take Aleve, Advil and the other stuff my BP shoots up 30 points, sometimes even higher. I never took Celebrex because I figured if Aleve or Advil make my BP go up something stronger than Celebrex would make it go up for sure.
Perhaps you might want to try naproxen, if you haven't already. If it works as well as Celebrex for you, it could be a good choice, because studies have found it to be cardiovascularly neutral, i.e., it doesn't increase cardiovascular risk or reduce it. Just a thought.