New Study on Anti-Inflammatory Medications & Heart Disease

Individuals who suffer from painful, chronic conditions like arthritis often take anti-inflammatory medications on a regular basis. Unfortunately, a new study reveals that this type of drug may actually increase a person’s blood pressure and leave them more susceptible to suffering a stroke. ReactDx, the makers of a first-rate mobile cardiac monitor, report on the study’s most recent findings below.

One of the biggest issues anti-inflammatory drugs cause is stomach irritation. Prolonged use leads to ulcers, problems with acid reflux, and even stomach bleeding. Researchers set out to develop a replacement drug that would be easier on the stomach, thus creating  celecoxib. This medication received FDA approval back in 1999, and although the drug was able to reduce stomach irritation, it also caused kidney and high blood pressure problems.

Harvard Health Publishing reports that the study examined two drugs – celecoxib and rofecoxib. The FDA decided to take rofecoxib off the market in 2004, but left celecoxib with the condition that additional testing be performed and a warning label added to the product’s packaging. The company finally completed the PRECISION (Prospective Randomized Evaluation of Celecoxib Integrated Safety versus Ibuprofen or Naproxen) trial and recently disclosed its results.

The trial took a look at 24,000 arthritis patients who had an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, splitting the patients into three groups. One group received celecoxib, one group was prescribed traditional ibuprofen, and the last group took naproxen. The study showed that the risk for a heart attack or stroke was the same for all three groups, yet the celecoxib group reported less gastrointestinal and kidney problems.

Patients prone to heart disease will want to avoid taking anti-inflammatory drugs like celecoxib. Instead, it is best to seek treatment from a knowledgeable cardiologist, who can help you manage your pain in a way that won’t affect your heart health. Mobile cardiac monitors are the best instrument for determining how well your heart is functioning. Call us at 800-234-3278 to learn more about this piece of equipment, or read our News & Updates page to keep up-to-date on the latest studies.  

Jodi is a seasoned Human Resources professional who thrives on change and transformation. She fell in love with Human Resources when she attended Penn State University for graduate school in Public Administration with a curriculum that emphasized Human Resources. After earning her Master’s degree she began her career in the manufacturing industry in Talent Acquisition and was eventually assigned the overall HR Management responsibility of three divisions which included collective bargaining. Ultimately, she made her way to transitioning a new division of a Fortune 100 company under the corporate model as well as developing and executing Human Resources policies and procedures across a broad range of functional disciplines. At the next juncture of her career, she was tapped on the shoulder by former Executives that she previously worked with to join in on an exciting start-up. Today, Jodi is the Vice President of Talent Relations and Development for Medicomp Inc dba ReactDx and is responsible for managing the strategic Human Resources function which includes mergers and acquisitions for this rapidly expanding company.

Jodi and her husband enjoy landscaping, finding new restaurants and traveling whenever life gives them the opportunity.

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