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'Big Data' study links PPIs to heart attacks

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Posted 6/11/2015 9:01 PM (GMT 0)
I've been on PPIs for years, and so I do not want to scare anyone with this. But it really makes me want to get off of these once and for all. Its a perpetual rock and a hard place.

www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/06/11/413433350/data-dive-suggests-link-between-heartburn-drugs-and-heart-attacks

made link clickable

Post Edited By Moderator (dencha) : 6/12/2015 9:35:43 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 6/12/2015 1:12 PM (GMT 0)
Let's not jump to conclusions!
Here's is a quote from the article:
"Assuming that link holds up, and the risk is spread evenly throughout the population, someone with a low risk of heart attack doesn't have much to worry about. "If your risk of a cardiovascular event or a heart attack is one in a million, now it is 1.2 in a million," Shah says.

But he's more concerned about people who have a higher risk of a heart attack. Since millions of people take these medications, even a low added risk for an individual can translate to quite a few people across the population."
I think it could be that some people with reflux just don't eat a very healthy diet -too much meat, too much fat etc and they are therefore also developing high blood pressure and heart disease. A correlation between PPI's and heart attacks does not mean that one causes the other!
Posted 6/12/2015 3:34 PM (GMT 0)
Elke55,

I certainly understand acidrefluxman's concern after learning of this study. I'm sure anyone on PPIs have heard/read the report with some trepidation.

Yet, I agree wholeheartedly with your assessment of the study results, and think you make some excellent points. I hope others who read this thread will understand the study, and take action to reduce those health issues that put them at a higher risk.

Yes acidrefluxman, the study puts many between that proverbial "rock and hard place", as they need PPIs to avoid other health complications. Still, knowing we can reduce our risk of heart-attack overall by dealing with those other issues, can be empowering. As a side-benefit, weight loss can possibly improve GERD symptoms as well.

Hang in there!
Denise
Posted 6/12/2015 8:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Elke55,

Thanks. I am often as reasonable as you are on this. What is disconcerting to me is that the science behind potential causation seems clear (altering nitric oxide production). Otherwise I'd 100% agree that people on PPIs are more likely to have heart problems than the general population. You are right though, relative risk seems low. I hadn't caught that part yet.

So for now I'll stop running around my house screaming and throwing garbage everywhere while yelling to the neighborhood that we are all done for.
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