In the study, which examined medical records of more than 2 million patients, researchers found a clear connection between proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and heart attack.
It turns out that chest pains may be more than just heartburn, for those taking certain antacids.
Stanford University researchers recently reported that a common group of heartburn medications—taken by millions of people—is associated with a greater risk of heart attacks. They found that a category of drugs commonly used to fight acid reflux, called proton pump inhibitors, may raise the risk of heart attack. Proton pump inhibitors include such well-known brands such as Prilosec, Nexium, Prevacid and others.
In the study, which examined medical records of more than 2 million patients, researchers found a clear connection between proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and heart attack. However, patients using another type of antacid drugs called H2 blockers, such as Zantac, Tagament or Pepcid, did not show this increased risk.
Researchers noted that the study does not prove that the drugs cause heart attacks. However, they said the evidence so far is substantial enough to be concerned about the wide use of PPIs and the common practice of continuing prescriptions longer than necessary.
Doctors say if you’re taking these medications, don’t panic. But instead, reassess whether you really need to be on it or if you can taper off or have it replaced with a different type of drug.
Relevant source:
Curated from the Washington Post
