Heartburn is very common and there are several medications that might help to keep it under control. All medications come with risks, but in most cases, the potential benefits outweigh these. However, research is showing that certain medications prescribed for this condition could possibly increase your risk of experiencing a heart attack. With an accident lawyer, Hudson Valley residents can get help should they experience this complication.

The Heartburn Medications and Associated Research

PLOS One published research concerning the connection between certain heartburn medications and an increased risk of heart attack. These medications include Prevacid, Nexium and Prilosec. The increased risk could be up to 20 percent, according to the research. These drugs are generally prescribed to reduce stomach acid production to reduce the heartburn a person experiences.

Experiencing a Heart Attack

When the flow of blood to your heart is not sufficient, this could result in heart damage and this damage is what causes a heart attack. In most cases, a blockage like a clot is responsible for the reduction in blood flow. Arterial plaques are another common cause. The blood vessels have a lining that works to prevent the accumulation of plaques. If this lining becomes damaged, plaques can accumulate, restrict blood flow and cause a heart attack. The research shows that there could be a chance that these medications could damage this lining so that it is not as effective at reducing plaque formation. This is the process that could lead to a heart attack.

The experience of a heart attack can vary among people. For example, some will experience chest pain and others might only feel like they have severe heartburn. Because of this, it is important to know what the symptoms are so that should you experience them and suspect a heart attack, you can get immediate medical assistance. The symptoms include:

  • Pain that might radiate
  • Feeling lightheaded or suddenly dizzy
  • Heartburn or indigestion
  • Chest pain and tightness
  • Fatigue
  • Cold sweat
  • Abdominal pain or nausea

A Heart Attack Could Have Long-Term Consequences

After a heart attack, there is a chance that you could experience long-term complications that could impact your quality of life. The extent of the damage to your heart and multiple other factors, such as your personal medical history, play a role in the complications that you might experience. It is important to know what these are so that you understand the seriousness of a heart attack. The complications that might occur after a heart attack include:

  • Heart valve issues
  • Heart rupture
  • Heart failure
  • Abnormal heart rhythms

Now you know more about what these heartburn drugs are and the increased heart attack risk. If you experience a heart attack after taking these medications, an accident lawyer in Hudson Valley might be able to help.