In this months edition of the British Medical Journal, a group of Swiss investigators reported on a large study of patients who received non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Their findings confirm previous suspicions that these drugs are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular complications such as heart attack and stroke.
This scientific study has received a lot of attention in the press this past week. A news account in the online edition of USA Today, "Common pain relievers raise heart risk for healthy people", nicely summarizes the findings and implications.
I will write a longer piece here at the blog that deals with NSAIDs in general and specific recommendations for athletes. Be sure to check back.