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If you’re over 60 and regularly take ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nurofen), naproxen (Aleve), diclofenac (Voltaren), or other NSAIDs for arthritis, back pain, headaches, or joint discomfort — please pay close attention.
These pills are not as safe for older hearts as most people (and even many doctors) still believe.
The Heart Risk Numbers You Need to Know
Large-scale studies and cardiology guidelines (AHA/ACC 2022–2025 updates) show:
- Regular NSAID use increases risk of heart attack by 20–50% (diclofenac up to 100% in some analyses)
- Risk of heart failure hospitalization rises 30–100% depending on dose & duration
- Increases blood pressure by 3–6 mmHg systolic on average — enough to push many seniors from “controlled” into “uncontrolled” hypertension
- Higher risk of atrial fibrillation and sudden cardiac events
- Kidney damage risk also jumps significantly (acute kidney injury, worsening CKD)
The risk is dose-dependent and time-dependent — the longer and more often you take them, the higher the danger.