The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications is pervasive in the United States and throughout the world. Many of these medications, such as ibuprofen, have been around for a while. But just how safe are they? One of the common problems has been GI toxicity, and it is often recommended to take something to protect the stomach when taking an NSAID long term. But what about cardiovascular toxicity? Is there an increased risk for heart disease, for stroke and even death?

In January of this...