Data from 140,000 patients suggests that some drugs could even double the rate for a heart attack.
The European Medicines Agency is checking out diclofenac, etodolac, ibuprofen, indomethacin, ketoprofen, ketorolac, meloxicam, nabumetone, naproxen, nimesulide and piroxicam; the agency recommends usage of the drugs in minimal doses and only for short periods of time.
These drugs like Ibuprofen, known as non-selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories are used by millions on a regular basis.
A recent version of Vioxx was removed from sales in 2004, when it was found to be linked to hundreds of heart attacks that occurred in the U.S.
There are also doubts raised as to the risk of taking high doses of ibuprofen for a long duration of time. Researchers suggest that of every 1000 that take the drug, three are likely to have a drug-related heart attack.
Patients who are on an aspirin regimen to counter heart attacks are also told to avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, unless it's a must.
The European Medicines Agency is to decide in October if doctors need new guidelines for the long-term use of these drugs.
