01/09/2026
🗞️ In the News: Common Pain Relievers Linked to Higher Heart and Stroke Risk
A new wave of reporting is highlighting something longevity medicine has understood for years: Over‑the‑counter pain relievers, especially NSAIDs like ibuprofen, naproxen, and diclofenac, can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.
And the risk increases with both dose and duration.
From reduced prostaglandin production to fluid retention to destabilized blood pressure, the cardiovascular impact is real, especially for people with hypertension, diabetes, kidney issues, a history of stroke, or adults over 75.
Even acetaminophen, long considered “safe,” can raise blood pressure when used consistently over time.
Aspirin is the exception at low doses under medical guidance, but at higher doses it behaves like other NSAIDs.
As a longevity physician, here is the guidance I give my patients:
✨ Use NSAIDs sparingly and choose the lowest dose for the shortest duration
✨ Avoid diclofenac if you have cardiovascular risk
✨ Start with non‑drug strategies whenever possible
✨ Use topical NSAIDs for localized pain
✨ Monitor blood pressure if you use NSAIDs or acetaminophen regularly
✨ If you rely on OTC pain relievers often, it is time to look deeper
Your heart is a longevity organ. Protecting it begins with informed, intentional choices, even with medications we tend to view as “everyday.
