Heartburn Drugs Lead to High Blood Pressure

Acid Reflux Drugs Lead to High Blood Pressure and a Weakened Heart

Several news organizations are reporting that commonly prescribed acid reflux drugs taken by millions of people may also cause cardiovascular disease. The reports are based on recently published research from the American Heart Association’s journal Circulation.

Researchers found the drugs, known as proton pump inhibitors or PPIs, can cause blood vessels to constrict. If taken regularly, PPIs could lead to hypertension and a weakened heart. Common PPIs are purchasable over the counter and include Prilosec, Nexium and Prevacid.

John Cooke, M.D., Ph.D., the study’s principal investigator said “our work is consistent with previous reports that PPIs may increase the risk of a second heart attack in people who have been hospitalized with an acute coronary syndrome.

The Food and Drug Administration estimates about 1 in 14 Americans has used PPIs. In 2009, PPIs were the third-most taken type of drug in the United States, accounting for $13 billion in sales. PPIs are used to treat a wide range of disorders, including gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, infection by the ulcer-causing Helicobacter pylori, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, and Barrett’s esophagus.

Drug-Free Acid Reflux Relief

Head and neck trauma such as car accidents, sports injuries, falls, and even birth trauma in children can lead to a misalignment in the upper neck that will change the communication between the brain and the body leading to a variety of different problems, including acid reflux. The lower esophageal sphincter musculature is frequently not functioning properly due to improper nerve supply.

Dr. Godfrey Gutmann, a German medical researcher was looking into this connection all the way back to the 1960′s… in 1987 Dr. Gutmann published his research linking the upper neck to problems ranging from acid reflux to scoliosis, ear infections, torticollis, colic and many other conditions.

Upper neck misalignments can be corrected safely, gently and effectively with an upper cervical chiropractic approach such as NUCCA.

If you or your child have been diagnosed with acid reflux, before considering medication and its side effects have a thorough upper neck evaluation to look for an undetected brainstem injury.

Look for the cause of the problem rather than just covering up the symptoms.

Give us a call at (678) 765-8494 and schedule a complimentary consultation and we will help you.

Dr. Lauren Millman of Suwanee Spine and Wellness is a Suwanee Chiropractor and Upper Cervical Specialist who has helped many people find natural relief from migraine headaches in Suwanee, Georgia. Her upper cervical clinic also serves the communities of John’s Creek, Sugar Hill, Buford and Duluth. She is uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems, including migraines, fibromyalgia, trigeminal neuralgia, high blood pressure and irritable bowel syndrome. More information can be found on her website at http://www.suwaneespine.com