16 Jun Some Antacids May Raise Heart Attack Risk
Proton pump inhibitors are prescribed for gastroesophogeal reflux disease (GERD), whose symptoms include chest pain, chronic cough, sleep disturbances, and hoarseness. GERD is a result of too much stomach acid production, causing it to reflux into the esophagus. Therefore, proton pump inhibitors are used to suppress acid secretion in the stomach.
In 2013, a study showed that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may cause long-term cardiovascular disease and increase a patient’s heart attack risk, as PPIs can adversely affect the blood vessel lining. Interestingly, H2 blockers, another type of antacid medication, were not associated with increased risk of heart attack or cardiovascular disease.
Now a new study published in PLOS ONE demonstrated that patients taking PPIs have a 16-21% increased heart attack risk. Researchers found a clear and significant association between PPI use and the occurrences of a heart attack.
The data from people who were prescribed proton pump inhibitors for their acid reflux and who had no prior history of heart disease demonstrated an association with an increased risk of heart attacks. Researchers collected data from STRIDE (Stanford Translational Research Integrated Database Environment), which contains information about 1.8 million Stanford hospital and clinic patients, along with data of 1.1 million patients from Practice Fusion, Inc. (a medical records company).
The researchers reviewed the databases for patients who were prescribed proton pump inhibitors, H2 blockers, and other drugs to identify patients who had experienced a heart attack. They found that the patients who had used PPIs were found to be at a 1.16-1.21-fold-increased risk of heart attack.
Nutrition Intervention
Pharmaceutical interventions provide some improvements but they do not correct many of the underlying factors and unfortunately have side effects. Lifestyle changes and nutritional support may be sufficient to address acid reflux. For instance, patients may benefit greatly by eating smaller portions at mealtime. In addition, they should avoid laying down after meals and avoid eating too close to bedtime. Patients should also stay clear of alcohol and any specific foods that may trigger their symptoms.
Keep in mind that typically, most of the bodies’ processes decrease with age, including the production of hormones and enzymes. Most people suffering with acid reflux may be suffering from too little acid (hypochlorhydria), which is when the stomach is unable to produce enough hydrochloric acid.
The barrier that prevents HCL from traveling from the stomach up into the esophagus is called the esophageal sphincter. The cause of this sphincter dysfunction is inadequate levels of hydrochloric acid. Normal acid levels help prevent infection in the gut as well as increase absorption of vitamins and minerals. Supplementation with betaine HCL will enhance the normal acid levels of the stomach.
Additional supplements may be needed to improve digestive function, such as probiotics and glutamine. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is well established as an anti-ulcer and mucosal healing botanical; it is soothing and protecting to the gastric mucosa and mucous membranes lining the digestive tract. Nutrients in the GI Repair support wound repair of the stomach and intestinal lining.
Helicobacter pylori is a major cause of gastritis. Mastic gum, methylmethionesulfonium, zinc-carnosine and vitamin C address both eradication of H. pylori and the healing and protection of inflamed mucosal tissue.
Natural treatments offer a more effective approach than what is provided by proton pump inhibitors. PPIs can induce several nutrient deficiencies in calcium, potassium, and magnesium. In addition, they can cause serious neuromuscular and cardiovascular problems, and can actually increase the chance of hip fracture in people over 50 years of age.