Naproxen & Heart Disease

Contributor

By Stephanie Mojica
eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating:

(0 Ratings)

Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is available both over the counter and by prescription to treat pain resulting from menstruation, injury or illnesses such as arthritis. The medication is usually marketed as Aleve or Anaprox in its over-the-counter formulation. There are some health risks associated with taking naproxen, including some that could seriously affect the heart.

Warning

Long-term use of naproxen increases the risk of heart attack for even healthy patients, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Considerations

Those with existing heart disease should consider not taking naproxen because of the increased heart attack risk, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Possible Symptoms

Side effects associated with treatment that might indicate possible heart problems include chest pain, tightness in the chest and difficulty breathing, according to the Mayo Clinic.

History

Another NSAID, Vioxx, was voluntarily recalled by its manufacturer in 2004 because of studies proving the medication caused heart attack and stroke deaths, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Significance

The FDA has stated that Vioxx and naproxen are indeed chemically similar, but that the existing risk for heart attack and stroke associated with naproxen is not nearly as high as the risk associated with Vioxx.