UNC Anesthesiology is pleased to recognize UNC Pain Medicine Division Associate Professor of Anesthesiology Maryam Jowza, MD, for her contributed expertise to an early January Fox News Health report on why non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been speculated as the class of OTCs most linked to elevated cardiovascular risk.
Among several pain medicine experts interviewed by Fox News Health, Dr. Jowza explained that while NSAIDs (eg, ibuprofen, naproxen), are widely taken as a proven class of OTCs to reduce bodily pain, fever and inflammation, when taken at higher doses and for a longer duration, they introduce an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. 
Dr. Jowza noted: “NSAIDs reduce production of prostaglandins, which are involved not only in inflammation, but also in other body functions. NSAIDS can influence the tone of blood vessels, and when taken at higher doses for a longer duration, they are more likely to increase blood pressure.”
For comparison, Dr. Jowza also discussed non-NSAIDs (eg, acetaminophen), which also achieve pain relief through reducing inflammation. By acting on the brain’s pain signals instead of affecting blood vessels via targeting prostaglandin production, non-NSAIDS pose less risk for increased blood pressure. Dr. Jowza offered similar words as others interviewed by Fox News Health for this health report — All NSAIDs should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration.
To read the Fox News Health report in its entirety, click HERE.