Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and atherothrombotic risk in older patients: where do we stand?
The evidence linking the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with increased atherothrombotic risk is controversial, particularly in older patients. This population is consistently underrepresented in epidemiological studies. Moreover, several confounding factors such as co-morbidities, polypharmacy, and institutionalisation might affect the interpretation of studies on the real association between NSAID use and cardiovascular risk. These issues are herewith discussed together with a proposed mechanism to explain the results of recent studies demonstrating a relatively low atherothrombotic risk associated with NSAIDs in older patients. Suggestions for future research directions are also provided.
Mangoni
Arduino A
AA
Division of Applied Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Aberdeen, UK. a.a.mangoni@abdn.ac.uk
Reid
David M
DM
Knights
Kathleen M
KM
D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000453:epidemiology*
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal