A study published in the European Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy, says that Ibuprofen and other common painkillers are linked to an increased risk of cardiac arrest.

The authors say that these drugs should be used with caution and if you have heart problems, you may want to avoid them altogether!

According to Dr. Gislason, a professor of cardiology at Copenhagen University Hospital, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), should be used with caution and avoided in patients with cardiovascular disease.

Some NSAIDS that can be bought over the counter include: diclofenac, naproxen, ibuprofen, rofecoxib, celecoxib.

The study found that these drugs can cause sodium retention, make blood thicker, stickier and create a "small, but finite risk" for cardiovascular events.

Dr. Christopher O'Connor tells TIME that "the message here is to be careful taking nonsteroidals, particularly high doses, and particularly if you have a preexisting cardiovascular disease."

[Source: TIME]