Non-selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and cardiovascular risk

Non-selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and cardiovascular risk

Authors

  • Andrea Fanelli Istituti Ospitalieri di Cremona
  • Patrizia Romualdi University of Bologna
  • Roberto Vigano' Istituto Ortopedico Gaetano Pini
  • Pierangelo Lora Aprile Italian Society of General Practice (SIMG)
  • Gianfranco Gensini Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi
  • Guido Fanelli University of Parma

Keywords:

non-selective NSAIDs, COX-2 inhibitors, cardiovascular risk, gastrointestinal risk

Abstract

NSAIDs are largely used for the treatment of a huge variety of clinical conditions in order to relieve symptoms related to inflammation.The use of NSAIDs is associated with a potential increased risk of gastrointestinal and cardiovascular complications.The cardiovascular risk related to NSAIDs administration is often underestimated and it is frequently believed to be less important than the gastrointestinal risk. Adverse effects of NSAIDs are specifically related to their underlying mechanisms of action.The most plausible mechanism underlying the cardiovascular risk of NSAIDs has been identified in the profound inhibition of COX-2-dependent PGI2 in the presence of incomplete and intermittent inhibition of platelet COX-1. Nevertheless, the cardiovascular risk related to the use of NSAIDs is not only due to the COX-2 selectivity. An important determinant of the clinical effects of NSAIDs depends on the pharmacokinetic features of the different drugs such as half-life, and type of formulations, which can influence the extent and duration of patient exposure to COXisozyme inhibition. The aim of this review is to analyse the mechanisms behind the cardiovascular risk of different NSAIDs.

Author Biographies

Andrea Fanelli, Istituti Ospitalieri di Cremona

Department of Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medici

Patrizia Romualdi, University of Bologna

Department of Pharmacology and Biotechnology

Roberto Vigano', Istituto Ortopedico Gaetano Pini

Department of Rheumatoid Arthritis Surgery

Gianfranco Gensini, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi

Department of Heart and Vessels

Guido Fanelli, University of Parma

Department of Anaesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Therapy

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Published

01-06-2013

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Section

REVIEWS

How to Cite

1.
Non-selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and cardiovascular risk. Acta Biomed [Internet]. 2013 Jun. 1 [cited 2024 Mar. 29];84(1):5-11. Available from: https://mattioli1885journals.com/index.php/actabiomedica/article/view/2799