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A recent study published in the Journal of Pain suggests that prescribed opioids may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and higher doses may further elevate this risk. The research into the opioid epidemic, led by Dr. Minhee Sung, analyzed data from the Veterans Aging Cohort Study (VACS). They focused on approximately 50,000 patients, 30% of whom had received prescribed opioids within a three-year period.
Findings
The study found that those who had received prescribed opioids were significantly more likely to later develop cardiovascular disease. Higher doses of opioids were also associated with an increased risk of CVD. Chronic pain, often treated with opioids, affects a substantial portion of the American population, particularly the elderly.
The study emphasizes the importance of considering cardiovascular disease risk in chronic pain treatment. It urges caution in opioid prescriptions to curtail the epidemic while acknowledging the potential risks of abruptly discontinuing such medications. The researchers highlight the need for further studies to understand whether the increased cardiovascular risk is directly related to prescribed opioids or associated exposures.
Future Recommendations
This suggests that patients, especially those over 65 or with cardiovascular risk factors, should engage in discussions with their healthcare providers about alternative pain management strategies. Non-pharmacologic options, such as physical therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, are recommended as potential alternatives.
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