Researchers have been looking closely at a familiar gout treatment and its possible benefits beyond joint inflammation. A recent review gathered evidence from twelve studies and explored whether low doses of this medication could help reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in people who already have cardiovascular disease. The results are interesting, and cautiously optimistic.
Here, we unpack what the review found, what it may mean for long-term heart health, and we also explain how our Home Emergency Service for Heart Attack on the Costa del Sol works.
The Connection Between Inflammation and Heart Events
Heart attacks and strokes often involve inflammation inside the arteries. Over time, this inflammation makes plaques unstable and more likely to rupture, blocking blood flow. The review focused on adults with established cardiovascular disease or those who had recently experienced a heart attack or stroke. In this group, controlling inflammation is extremely important.
Researchers wanted to see whether long-term use — at least six months — could influence major cardiovascular events. They gathered data from almost 23,000 people across multiple randomized controlled trials, making this one of the largest looks at this question so far.
What the Review Actually Found
Here’s where things get clearer. After combining and analysing the data, the review reported:
- The treatment helped reduce the risk of heart attacks.
- It also lowered the risk of stroke.
- It likely did not affect the chance of dying from any cause or from cardiovascular disease specifically.
- It likely didn’t change the number of people needing procedures to restore blood flow to the heart.
- Serious side effects were not more common than in the control groups.
When researchers translated this into real-world numbers, it suggested that for every 1,000 people treated:
- Nine fewer had a heart attack.
- Eight fewer had a stroke.
These aren’t dramatic numbers, but in cardiology, even small reductions can have meaningful impact, especially for high-risk patients.
The main downside seemed to be mild gastrointestinal discomfort — things like nausea — and these episodes tended to be temporary.
Limitations and Gaps in the Research
As with any large review, there were limitations. Some studies varied widely in design, follow-up time, and how they measured side effects. Most participants were male — nearly 80% — which means we still need stronger data on women. The longest follow-up was just over six years, so long-term outcomes remain unclear.
Another issue is that the review didn’t focus on searching for all possible adverse effects beyond what individual studies reported. And because the participants were mostly people who already had major cardiovascular events, the results can’t be applied to the general population.
Despite these limitations, the findings held steady even when researchers repeated the analysis using only the highest-quality studies.
Can This Treatment Help Prevent a Heart Attack?
The review points toward a possible benefit, especially for people who already live with chronic cardiovascular disease or who recently experienced a heart attack. But whether it’s appropriate depends heavily on the individual: their health history, other treatments they’re taking, and their overall inflammation levels.
This is not something people should start on their own. It’s a therapy that requires medical supervision, careful dosing, and a clear understanding of risks and interactions.
Still, the big takeaway is simple: addressing inflammation remains a powerful strategy in preventing future heart events. And this familiar medication may play a role for some patients.
Home Emergency Service for Heart Attack on the Costa del Sol
Understanding prevention is important, but recognising symptoms and getting immediate help is life-saving. Heart attacks can escalate quickly, and the first minutes matter more than most people realise.
If you or someone close to you experiences chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, unexplained pressure, or a feeling that “something isn’t right,” immediate medical attention is crucial.
Helicopteros Sanitarios’ Home Emergency Service for Heart Attack on the Costa del Sol provides rapid, specialised care right where you are, helping reduce complications and improving outcomes when every second counts.
When it comes to heart health, prevention and emergency support go hand in hand, and our team is here to protect both.