Non-setroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – use in treatment of cardiovascular disease an cardiovascular risks

Overview

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the most used drugs in treatment of rheumatic diseases and pain. In the treatment of cardiovascular diseases aspirin is the widest used drug for its antiplatelet effect and plays the main role in secondary and primary prevention of ischemic events. Selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors - coxibs are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, tromboembolic events, and new onset of hypertension, congestive heart failure and worsening of pre-existing heart failure. As published studies show increased cardiovascular risk of coxibs, some of them were withdrawn from the global market. Cardiovascular risk of nonselective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is not yet clarified.

Key words:
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, cyclooxygenase, prostaglandins, thromboxan, prostacyclin, coxibs