Cardiologists warn anyone taking omeprazole, ibuprofen and naproxen

Cardiologists have warned people that they may need to consult their doctor

A cardiologist has sounded the alarm about the dangers associated with frequently prescribed drugs that he believes are “damaging your health”. Dr. Aurelio Rojas emphasized that the daily intake of many drugs by Britons across the country may cause complications.

In an Instagram post, the doctor emphasized that people should be aware of certain pain relievers, nasal decongestants, and antidepressants along with Omeprazole. In a guide published late last year that is still relevant today, he said: “If you play sports and take medicine, you should watch this video.

“I’m going to explain what medications can harm your health without your knowledge. And I’m not talking about unusual medications; I’m referring to medications that you take regularly. And many people take them without even knowing it.”

While seemingly harmless, their uncontrolled use, combined with intense physical activity, can cause dangerous effects, according to Dr. Rojas. “Omeprazole. If you take it regularly, it may alter the absorption of magnesium, iron and vitamin B12. It affects your energy, your recovery and your heart health,” he said.

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Omeprazole was originally prescribed to manage or prevent many conditions related to excess stomach acid, reports Image. Dr. Rojas also cited over-prescription of painkillers as a concern.

“These are the most common: ibuprofen, diclofenac or naproxen. Taking them before you work out can damage your kidneys and increase your risk of heart attack, especially if you’re dehydrated,” he said.

Then, he warned those suffering from colds to exercise. “You might be wondering about: Nasal decongestants. Yes, those sprays or pills you take when you have a cold. Nasal decongestants raise blood pressure, increase heart rate, and can cause arrhythmias if used before intense exercise,” he said.

He also pointed out the dangers of high blood pressure medication during physical activity, explaining: “It is very common to treat high blood pressure. Diuretics can make you lose potassium and magnesium. The result: cramps, tachycardia and stress decrease in the middle of training.”

“Fifth, and importantly, antidepressants like amitriptyline affect the heart’s electrical conduction, increasing the risk of arrhythmias, especially in people who exercise at high intensity. It’s not about scaring you, it’s about training your head and heart,” he added.

As a cardiologist and sports medicine specialist, he has treated many patients who, while dedicated to their fitness routines, inadvertently compromise their well-being.

“What I often see is people who take ibuprofen, diclofenac, or naproxen to relieve muscle pain before training, and who use omeprazole to protect their stomach,” Dr. Rojas noted in his clinical experience.

Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including diclofenac and naproxen, are drugs that many people take as if they were completely harmless.

However, he warned: “These drugs reduce inflammation and pain, but they also affect kidney and heart circulation, especially if you take them before training. Dehydration, which is common during intense exercise, multiplies the risk of kidney damage and increases the likelihood of a heart attack, such as a heart attack.”

This happens because NSAIDs interfere with blood flow to the kidneys, potentially causing serious complications without proper precautions.

Nasal cleansing medicine

Nasal decongestants are also often misused. The sprays or tablets that most people take with colds can cause little-known side effects.

“Nasal decongestants increase blood pressure, increase heart rate, and can cause arrhythmias when used before intense exercise,” emphasized Dr. Rojas.

“The problem is that most people use them without affecting their cardiovascular system during exercise. If you have a cold, it’s best to avoid strenuous exercise or at least, check with your doctor to see if this medication is right for you.”

Diuretics

If you have been prescribed a diuretic to manage high blood pressure or a similar condition, you need to take special care during physical activity. “Diuretics cause you to lose fluid and electrolytes through the urine. This can cause imbalances in the body, such as loss of potassium and magnesium, which are essential for muscle function and heart rhythm regulation,” explains Dr. Rojas.

“It’s common for athletes to not realize that pain, fatigue, and heart rate during exercise are associated with taking diuretics. Additionally, if you don’t replenish these electrolytes, the risk of injury and heart problems increases.”

Omeprazole

Omeprazole, a drug prescribed to treat stomach problems such as ulcers or reflux, is another drug that countless people take without weighing long-term effects. While it protects the stomach by reducing acidity, long-term use can disrupt the absorption of important nutrients, including magnesium, iron, and vitamin B12, affecting your energy levels, recovery, and heart health.

“If you take omeprazole for a long time without proper medical supervision, you may disrupt your nutrient levels and compromise your performance and heart health,” the cardiologist warned.

Antidepressants

“Amitriptyline and other antidepressants affect the electrical conduction of the heart, increasing the risk of arrhythmia, especially in people who exercise at a high intensity,” the cardiologist warns. “If you take this medicine, it is important that you talk to your doctor about how it may affect your physical activity, and do not combine it with extreme training without prior evaluation.”

So what steps should you take if you are prescribed one of these medications? He said to always seek medical advice, avoid self-medication, and review your prescriptions regularly.

“Stay well hydrated, monitor your electrolytes if you use diuretics or NSAIDs, get regular blood tests, review your diet with your doctor, and if you’re an athlete, get a full medical exam every year,” he said.

If I need them? Is there a safe way to take them?

Dr. Rojas offered advice, though a note of caution:

• Do not take it before intense training.
• If you use diuretics or NSAIDs, stay well hydrated and monitor your electrolytes.
• Get regular blood tests if you use omeprazole for a long time.
• Check with your doctor to see if you can adjust the dose or switch to safer alternatives.
• And if you’re an athlete, get a full medical exam every year.