Recently, the FDA has issued a statement to warn runners about non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as over-the-counter ibuprofen. Another report proposes how taking aspirin before a marathon could decrease the risk of heart attacks for marathon runners in older men.
In order to decrease the chances of having musculoskeletal pains, runners will often take NSAIDs. However, the new report warns runners of the risks involved in taking NSAIDs:
- Within the first couple weeks of taking NSAIDs, a runner is at risk of having a heart attack or stroke and this risk only grows worse the more a runner takes the drug.
- If a person already has heart problems, or previously had a heart attack, consuming NSAIDs will only increase the risk more.
- Heart failure is more likely to occur while taking NSAIDs.
NSAIDs are typically the most sought-after medications by runners for their event. They offer relief from pain while letting the runner keep exercising. Runners should understand the heart risks of taking NSAIDs so they can make an educated decision before choosing to take them.
Although deaths related to heart problems during marathons are rather low, doctors still want to warn runners of the risks to decrease that number. An idea proposed by Art Siegel, a doctor and well-experienced marathon runner, suggested that aspirin taken in low doses before a marathon could help. This advice was specifically directed toward males past the age of forty as they are more likely to be at risk of a heart attack.
Maintaining proper heart health is important and ReactDx understands that runners should be informed on the risks of taking NSAIDs. People with preexisting heart conditions can still enjoy running. That’s why having a mobile cardiac monitor is essential for runners with heart problems. For more information on our products and services, please contact ReactDx at 800-23-HEART.
