Danish researchers have found that chances of developing a second heart attack by 45 per cent and that too within seven days time is possible among heart attack survivors on prescription doses of a group of painkiller called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs, and this includes ibuprofen.

There were even more chances of experiencing another heart attack among people in the same time period who were taking diclofenac in particular and that too the chances were about three times more.

About 84,000 people who survived heart attack were studied upon and their average age was about 68 years. Out of these people, prescription NSAID was being taken by 42 per cent people.

According to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, Nice, “some standard NSAIDs have been shown to be associated with a small increased risk of heart attack and stroke, especially when used in high doses and for long periods.”

She added that the chances of recurrent heart attack within seven days were less among people who were on prescription ibuprofen and the average dose was 1,600mg per day.

Compared to taking nothing at all, the risk was increased by about 50 per cent between a time period of eight days and 14 weeks.