When heartburn strikes, reaching for a common over-the-counter antacid like Tums or Rolaids feels like a quick and harmless fix. But what if that simple solution for your digestive discomfort was creating a more serious problem for your heart? Experts are now cautioning that regular use of these popular calcium-based medications could put you at a significantly higher risk for a dangerous condition linked to heart disease and even heart attacks.
Key Takeaways
- The Hidden Ingredient: Many popular OTC antacids, such as Tums and Rolaids, contain high amounts of calcium carbonate.
- The Risk of ‘Too Much’: Overusing these antacids can lead to dangerously high levels of calcium in your blood, a condition known as hypercalcemia.
- The Heart Connection: Studies show that hypercalcemia can disrupt your heart’s electrical rhythm and is associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease and heart attack.
- Know the Signs: Symptoms of hypercalcemia aren’t just heart-related; they can include frequent urination, confusion, fatigue, and stomach upset.
- Consult Your Doctor: If you find yourself using antacids regularly, it’s crucial to discuss the potential risks and safer long-term strategies with your healthcare provider.
Why High Calcium Is a Problem for Your Heart
You might think of calcium as being good for your bones, but like anything, too much of a good thing can be dangerous. When you have excess calcium in your bloodstream, you develop a condition called hypercalcemia. This can seriously interfere with your body’s normal functions, especially your heart’s.
Calcium is an ion that helps carry electrical signals throughout your body, including to your heart muscle. When levels are normal, it helps maintain a steady heartbeat. However, when there’s too much calcium, it can disrupt the heart’s delicate electrical system, leading to an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). A 2017 study published in the prestigious Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found a direct link between high serum calcium levels and an increased risk for both coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction, the clinical term for a heart attack.
The Surprising Link Between Antacids and Heart Risk
So, how do you get from treating heartburn to potentially harming your heart? The answer lies in the active ingredient of many antacids. According to the Cleveland Clinic, one of the most common causes of hypercalcemia is taking too much calcium carbonate—the very ingredient found in Tums and Rolaids. For perspective, calcium carbonate is 40 percent elemental calcium.
Most adults need about 1,000 mg of calcium per day. A single dose of Tums can contain anywhere from 500 mg to 1,000 mg, depending on the strength. If you’re popping them throughout the day, you can see how easily you could exceed a safe limit. That’s why these medications are intended for occasional, as-needed relief, not as a daily preventative measure. Taking them too often can create a sustained, high level of calcium in your blood, which may modestly increase your risk of cardiovascular events.
Are You at Risk? Know the Symptoms
Because hypercalcemia affects multiple body systems, it’s important to recognize the warning signs, especially if you regularly use calcium-based antacids. Your body will try to get rid of the excess calcium through your kidneys, which might cause you to experience increased thirst and more frequent urination.
You might also notice digestive issues that ironically mimic the problems you’re trying to treat, such as nausea, vomiting, or constipation. Furthermore, the condition can impact your brain function, leading to feelings of confusion, lethargy, and fatigue. If you’re an older adult, particularly with any pre-existing kidney issues, you should be especially mindful of your total calcium intake from all sources, including food and supplements.
Conclusion
While antacids are an effective tool for occasional heartburn, it’s clear that relying on them too heavily can have unintended and serious consequences for your heart health. The key is moderation and awareness. If you find that you need an antacid more than occasionally, it’s a signal that you should speak with your doctor. They can help you identify the root cause of your digestive issues and find a safer, more effective long-term solution that doesn’t put your heart at risk.
Scientific References
- Larsson, S. C., Burgess, S., & Michaëlsson, K. (2017). Association of Genetic Variants Related to Serum Calcium Levels With Coronary Artery Disease and Myocardial Infarction. JAMA, 318(4), 371–380. URL: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2645543
- Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Hypercalcemia. URL: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8582-hypercalcemia
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. (2022). Calcium Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. URL: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-HealthProfessional/
- Ahmed, R., & Foge, V. (2020). Milk-Alkali-Induced Psychosis: A Case Report of a Common Condition with an Uncommon Presentation. Case Reports in Psychiatry, 2020, 8878196. URL: https://www.hindawi.com/journals/crips/2020/8878196/