NSAID's and heart disease

    
I have ankylosing spondylitis and heart disease and want to know what are the risks and how should I assess them if I take ibuprofen (200 - 400 mg or naproxen 200) to reduce inflamation (inflammation)(pain) as  this seems to be the only thing that helps me be pain free enough to exercise or do my daily chores) (Remicade or Enbrel has been suggested but also has a risk for certain heart diseases among other things?)  Wouldn't the reduction of inflamation (inflammation) in the arterial walls also help prevent further heart attacks?

I am 61 yr old male , 11 years post triple bypass with grade 2-3 left ventrical dysfunction ( EF31-33%)Stage 2 heart failure( some breathlessness on exertion but no swelling, very little angina, (1-2km walking level suface without symptoms) Thanks for your help

Dan

[anacyde]

I think NSAIDs might be an issue with your heart failure, but I don't know.  My father, post-bypass, receives Remicade for Chron's Disease and has had no problems at all.  I would look into and carefully consider the options.

[erijon]

I asked the same question concerning how NSAIDs  were related to an increased risk of heart attack and found that unfortunately no one specifically knows 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. I was concerned as I have controlled high blood pressure and was prescribed Celebrex by my Rhuematolgist for my arthritis. The doctor that responded to my question said that the benefit of the drug is weighed against the risk and what is best for the patient. When it was all said and done, I decided to stay away from the NSAIDs to be safe, but that's just me, your condition is different and you should have your doctor explain the risks.

Good Luck!

Tony