Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly prescribed for pain relief and inflammation management, but recent research suggests that their use may have a significant impact on heart health, particularly in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A study conducted by Holt et al. at Copenhagen University Hospital and Herlev-Gentofte Hospital in Denmark sheds light on the association between NSAID use and hospitalizations for heart failure (HF) in patients with T2DM, and the findings are published in the prestigious 'Journal of the American College of Cardiology'.

      The study included a large cohort of 331,189 patients with T2DM, with a median age of 62 years. Among these patients, 44.2% were female, and 23,308 were hospitalized with HF during the follow-up period. 16% of patients reported at least one prescription for NSAIDs within one year.

      The results of the study revealed that short-term use of NSAIDs was associated with an increased risk of HF hospitalization, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.43 and a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.27-1.63. The risk was more pronounced in certain subgroups, including patients aged 80 years or older (OR: 1.78; 95% CI: 1.39-2.28), patients with elevated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels treated with 0 to 1 antidiabetic drug (OR: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.00-2.88), and patients without previous use of NSAIDs (OR: 2.71; 95% CI: 1.78-4.23).

      These findings highlight that NSAID use is associated with an increased risk of first-time HF hospitalization in patients with T2DM, older patients, those with elevated HbA1c levels, and those who are new to using NSAIDs, may be vulnerable. This information could aid healthcare providers in making informed decisions about the use of NSAIDs in patients with T2DM, considering the potential risks and benefits.