| Objective. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between non-ASA non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug exposure and the prescription of cardiovascular medications as well as the frequency of selected cardiovascular diseases.;Study design. Cross sectional and case control analyses of administrative data was carried out for 192,866 Albertans aged 65 years and older for the year ending March 31, 1995. Medication exposure was measured in maximum daily dose equivalents (MDDE).;Results. For every 30 MDDE of non ASA-NSAID use there was an additional 2.47 (95%CI 2.32--2.65) MDDE of diuretic prescription, the odds ratios for visiting a physician for edema was 1.07 (95%CI 1.05--1.08), and hospitalization for congestive heart failure was 1.13 (95% CI 1.06--1.20).;Conclusion. Non-ASA NSAID use is associated with increased diuretic use, increased prevalence of edema, and increased incidence of congestive heart failure in elderly subjects. |
