Aurelio Rojas Sanchez, a cardiologist based in Malaga, Spain, has warned that ibuprofen and other everyday medications can cause ‘heart problems’ if taken too frequently
A cardiologist has issued a stark warning about the potential side-effects of everyday medications. Aurelio Rojas Sánchez, based in Malaga, Spain, highlighted three specific drugs that may give rise to ‘heart problems’ and advised against frequent use.
You may be surprised to hear that ibuprofen was first on his list. Despite its reputation for relieving various aches and pains, Dr Sánchez outlined its rare but worrying association with heart attacks, strokes and other life-threatening issues.
“These are the medicines that, if you take frequently, can cause heart problems,” he wrote in a December alert on Instagram (@doctorrojass). “Ibuprofen – although in reality also naproxen, dexketroprofen and any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which are often given to you at the pharmacy without a prescription, can be harmful if you use them frequently[…] In the long term, or at high doses, as they increase the risk of problems such as hypertension, heart attack, heart failure, kidney failure or stroke.
“Some antibiotics are [also] notorious for their toxicity to the heart, and are used in common infections such as throat or bronchial infections, especially azithromycin and fluoroquinolones, which can cause dangerous cardiac arrhythmias due to QT prolongation.”
Dr Sánchez isn’t alone in his views either. In 2016, a study spanning four European countries found that use of anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) was associated with a ‘19% increase of risk of hospital admission for heart failure’. This means the heart is unable to pump blood around the body properly, leading to a worsened risk of heart attacks, strokes, or kidney failure, among various other complications.
Taking these medications at higher doses was found to amplify the danger too, though it’s crucial to note that personal risk is dependent on various personal factors, including age. In light of the research, Professor Peter Weissberg, former Medical Director at the British Heart Foundation, previously explained: “Overall the coverage failed to stress that the results found in a group of elderly patients may not apply to younger patients.
“It has been known for some years now that such drugs need to be used with caution in patients with, or at high risk of, heart disease. This applies mostly to those who take them on a daily basis rather than only occasionally.
“Since heart and joint problems often coexist, particularly in the elderly, this study serves as a reminder to doctors to consider carefully how they prescribe NSAIDs, and to patients that they should only take the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. They should discuss their treatment with their GP if they have any concerns.”
Beyond ibuprofen and antibiotics, Dr Sánchez also mentioned that omeprazole, a drug used to tackle heartburn and indigestion, may have heart-related side-effects too. Again, this is backed by other health professionals and the NHS which advises against excessive use.
“If you take omeprazole for more than three months, the levels of magnesium in your blood may fall,” the NHS explains. “Low magnesium can make you feel tired, confused, dizzy and cause muscle twitches, shakiness and an irregular heartbeat. If you get any of these symptoms, tell your doctor.”
In a separate note about antibiotics, the health body adds: “When it comes to antibiotics, take your doctor’s advice on whether you need them or not. Antibiotic resistance is a big problem – taking antibiotics when you do not need them can mean they will not work for you in the future.”
