Q: Ibuprofen is the pain reliever that always worked best for me. However, out of nowhere I began having episodes of atrial fibrillation.

I underwent an ablation and was on the heart-rhythm-regulating medications flecainide and metoprolol.  Nothing seemed to help until one day I read about research in Europe to determine if there is a connection between NSAIDs and atrial fibrillation.  They found convincing evidence that there is.

I immediately stopped taking ibuprofen and any other NSAIDs.  Shortly thereafter, my AFib episodes ceased.  I’m still on a strong dose of flecainide and very light dose of metoprolol – and ZERO NSAIDs.

A: Dutch investigators followed more than 8,000 adults over a decade.

They found that people who took NSAIDs such as ibuprofen were more likely to develop atrial fibrillation, abbreviated AF or AFib (BMJ Open, April 1, 2014).  Other investigators have concluded, “These findings suggest that AF needs to be added to the cardiovascular risks to be considered when prescribing NSAIDs”  (American Journal of Cardiology, Nov. 15, 2014).

Because the consequences of atrial fibrillation can include strokes, we think both doctors and patients should be aware of this potentially serious complication.

• Article by Joe and Teresa Graedon
• Copyright The Seattle Times