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Another study has added to the debate about whether some common pain relievers can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. The new study looks at nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Many people take aspirin, one type of NSAID, to help prevent heart attacks. But the others carry a label warning about a possible increased risk of heart attacks. NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil and generics) and naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve and generics). They also include the prescription drug celecoxib (Celebrex). The new study looked at the use of NSAIDs in 160,000 older women. They were part of the Women’s Health Initiative study. That study looked at older women’s use of hormone therapy. But it also recorded all of the medicines they took. The new study found a higher risk of heart attack and stroke among women who used naproxen or celecoxib.

Most adults don’t need to be tested for narrowing of the arteries leading to the brain, an expert group says. The new statement is a final guideline from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. This expert group provides advice on preventive care to doctors and the government. The new statement focused on narrowing of the carotid arteries. Narrowed arteries can increase the risk of stroke. Ultrasound can detect these deposits. But the task force concluded that adults with only average risk and no symptoms should not routinely get this test. The test sometimes leads to a “false positive” result. This means that it shows a condition that the person does not really have. But the initial test results often lead to more testing and even surgery. These further steps may cause stroke, heart attack or even death.