Regular use of the acid reflux medication Prilosec may cause heart disease, according to a recent study. Researchers from Houston Methodist Hospital, Stanford University, and Imperial College London studied Prilosec and other proton pump inhibitors (PPI) such as Nexium and Prevacid. They discovered that using the drugs may lead to high blood pressure and an overall weakened heart.

Prilosec is an effective treatment of acid reflux, as the medication is activated in the stomach to stop the movement of protons into the intestine, which in turn reduces acid levels. However, researchers found that one of Prilosec’s side effects is that it reduces the ability of blood vessels to relax and protect arteries and veins.

Acid Reflux Treatment

Heartburn sufferers depend on proton pump inhibitors like Prilosec to reduce their symptoms. Prilosec, Prevacid and Nexium are the most commonly prescribed acid reflux medications worldwide. By 2009, an estimated 21 million prescriptions were written in the U.S. for one of these three acid reflux medications.

Now that they are available over-the-counter, sales reach about $14 billion each year. One in 14 Americans claim to use either Prilosec or Prevacid, which are the more popular heartburn medications.

In addition to acid reflux treatment, Prilosec is often prescribed to treat Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and Barrett’s esophagus.

Prilosec Studies

The effects of regular use of Prilosec has been the subject of multiple medical studies over the years. One study analyzed the medical records of nearly 3 million patients and found that consumers taking a PPI were up to 20 percent more likely to develop a heart attack. However, patients taking antacids known as H2 blockers did not have the same increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

This most recent acid reflux treatment study mention above also confirmed previous reports that proton pump inhibitors may increase the risk of having a second heart attack in patients who have previously been diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome.

Multiple researchers have urged patients taking Prilosec and other PPIs to talk with their physicians about switching to another acid reflux treatment if they are at a higher risk for having a heart attack.

Some researchers state that the FDA should be made aware of these findings but have also mention that more studies should be conducted, since health and lifestyle factors may also play a role in the increased heart attack risk.

Prilosec Side Effects

An estimated 113 million prescriptions for Prilosec and other PPIs are written each year across the world. While these studies have shown an increase in heart attack risks, other reported side effects of Prilosec include an increased risk of hip, wrist, and spine fractures in addition to vitamin B12 deficiencies.

Patients who have suffered from a Prilosec or other PPI side effect, including serious heart problems, may be able to join a acid reflux medication class action lawsuit against the manufacturers of Prilosec. Contact an acid reflux attorney to find out if you have legal claim.