Can People With CVD Take an NSAID?
If you have cardiovascular disease, you should discuss taking OTC NSAIDs with your doctor. Taking medications such as acetaminophen or other pain medications may be more appropriate for you. If your physician determines that you do need an NSAID, it is important to take it exactly as prescribed, at the lowest dose possible for your treatment, and for the shortest time needed. The American Heart Association recommends a “stepped care” approach to medication therapy for people with CVD who have musculoskeletal aches and pains. A person would be started on medications that have the lowest reported risk for cardiovascular events, and then, if needed, move step by step to other medications, with consideration of the risks versus the benefits at each step. For example, * Start with OTC medications acetaminophen or aspirin, the prescription medication tramadol, or short-term painkillers containing a narcotic. If necessary, go to * Aspirin-like drugs (nonacetylated salicylates). If necessary,
