Common pain relievers may raise heart disease and stroke risk, doctors warn

Many might assume that over-the-counter medications are generally safer than stronger prescription drugs, but research shows they can still present risks for some.

Certain common OTC painkillers have been linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure, stroke and heart attacks.

NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) — which are used to reduce pain, fever and inflammation — have been pinpointed as the class of medicines most linked to elevated cardiovascular risk.

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