In light of recent studies, some doctors are concerned that popular indigestion pills like Prilosec and Prevacid may increase users’ risk of heart attack.

Recently, a major study was performed in the U.S. and published in national and international journals and newspapers, suggesting that individuals who take proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) suffer a 20 percent increased risk of suffering heart attacks when compared to those not using these types of heart burn drugs. The researchers theorize that these PPI’s may be harming the heart because they decrease the level of nitric oxide, which works to keep the heart’s arteries flexible.

This means that healthy, middle-aged adults that seem to be at no risk for cardiovascular events are more likely to suffer a heart attack after taking this class of indigestion pills, the PPI study reports.

Studies Point to Prilosec Heart Attack Link

DailyMail UK reports that the American authors of this study have published their results with a caution: even though the research analyzed the records of three million U.S. patients and found a link between the use of PPI’s and increased risk of heart attack, this does not mean it is proof positive that popular indigestion pills like Prilosec cause heart attacks. Researchers are still worried by the apparent link, however.

Lead researcher and heart attack surgeon Dr. Nicholas Leeper had this to say about the results of the PPI study: “These drugs may not be as safe as we think.” He goes on to state, “Heart disease is by far the leading cause of death in the western world and PPIs are so commonly prescribed.” In light of the drugs’ popularity and the results of his study, Dr. Leeper states, “This is potentially a big deal from a public health perspective.”

The PPI’s observed in this study include Omeprazole (or brand name Prilosec) and Lansoprazole (Prevacid), some of the most commonly prescribed drugs and acid reflux medications on the market. In England, over five million prescriptions are written each year; in the U.S., the prescription and sale of PPI drugs like Prilosec and Prevacid generate $14 billion in annual sales.

Many of these acid reflux medications are available both over the counter and by prescription in England and the U.S. However, it is important to note that long-term use of PPI’s is supposed to be regularly reviewed, while use of over-the-counter Prevacid, Prilosec, and other PPI prescriptions should be limited to two weeks of use.

The sad truth is that because many consumers find success in managing their acid reflux issues using these PPI drugs, they end up using them for years at a time. If the results of this PPI study bear out, they may unknowingly be putting themselves at an increased risk of heart attack.

The researchers of this PPI study have strongly cautioned consumers who have read or heard of the results of this study to consult with their doctor before stopping their Prilosec, Prevacid, or other PPI drug prescription.