Common painkillers boost risk of repeat heart attack

Most people don’t think twice about taking Motrin, sexAdvil, Aleve or similar over-the-counter painkillers. Some should. A new study suggests that heart attack survivors should use these drugs as little as possible. These medications belong to a family of drugs known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They are considered pretty safe when used occasionally in low to moderate doses to relieve pain, with some exceptions. People with kidney disease and those with a history of peptic ulcer or upper gastrointestinal bleeding should avoid using NSAIDs. People with heart failure, advanced liver disease or high blood pressure should check with their doctors before taking NSAIDs. The new study, published online in the journal Circulation, suggests adding heart attack survivors to the list.