Is there a link between non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and cardiovascular risk in patients with inflammatory arthritis?

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) require particular attention, as these pharmaceutical compounds have been associated with a range of adverse effects, such as renal and gastrointestinal toxicity. In addition, data suggest an increased cardiovascular (CV) risk in the general population, which indicates a need for caution regarding its application in patients with elevated CV risk. Patients with inflammatory arthritis demonstrate an inherent predisposition to an elevated risk of CV morbidity and mortality. In this publication, we examine the available data indicating that the utilization of NSAIDs among patients diagnosed with inflammatory joint disease is not associated with an elevated risk of developing CV disease. The analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of NSAIDs are discussed as a potential underlying mechanism contributing to a cardioprotective effect. In this context, patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or ankylosing spondylitis (AS), who also exhibit systemic inflammation, have been observed to benefit in respect to CV events in response to utilization of NSAIDs.