New warnings may have to be added to pharma labels after a study suggested common prescription painkillers could present a cardiac arrest risk.

Scientists in Denmark looked at a cross-section of patients who had previously suffered a heart attack and started taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen.

This group was 45 per cent more likely to suffer a second heart attack after a week than patients who did not take any painkillers, the researchers found.

Furthermore, the risk rose to 55 per cent within three weeks, with the drug diclofenac most likely to result in another cardiac episode.
Lead researcher at Copenhagen University Anne-Marie Schjerning Olsen said: "Even for the shortest time periods, these can be dangerous."

It is thought that the painkillers may increase the likelihood of blood clot formation.

Earlier this month, scientists at the University of Strasbourg in France said drinking a blend of fruit juices including grapes regularly could reduce people's heart attack risk.

Denny Bros Ltd, 11 May 2011