Good Lifestyle

Sometimes, by treating a health problem, you inadvertently trigger another. Experts from Cleveland's clinic say it's often the case when it comes to oneDrug on the counter (OTC) Used to treat daily digestive problems. They warn that if you take this common medicine regularly, you risk putting your heart at increased risk to a potentially serious illness related to coronary artery disease, heart attack and more. Read it to find out which over-the-counter medication could put you at risk and how to recognize its symptoms.

RELATED:Drinking this everyday can reduce your risk of heart failure, a new study says.

When your doctor performs a routineblood test Or a metabolic panel, there is a good chance that they will check how the calcium is in your blood. High calcium levels are called hypercalcemia, a condition that can create renal calculations, weaken your bones, disrupt normal brain function and cause heart problems. According to the Mayo Clinic,Severe hypercalcemia Can be particularly dangerous for the heart ", causing palpitations and fainting, indications of cardiac arrhythmia and other heart problems."

In fact, a 2017 study published in theJournal of the American Medical Association (Jama) found that "a genetic predisposition tohigher serum calcium levels Was associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction, "otherwise called a heart attack. However, even those without genetic predisposition or underlying condition may be at increased risk, if they consume drugs or supplements containing excess calcium.

RELATED:If your legs feel like that, check your heart.

In particular, the Cleveland Clinic warns of a type ofOTC drug This can cause this condition: antacids, which are often used to treat stomach burns and indigestion. "Take too much calcium carbonate In the form of Tums® or Rolaids® is actually one of the most common causes of hypercalcemia ", writes Cleveland's clinic. TheJama The study corroborates that drugs or supplementation "that result in acute and sustainable elevation in Serum Calcium could modestly increase the risk of cardiovascular events."

For this reason, you should take antacids only on an indispensable basis, rather than as a daily preventive drug. According to national health institutes (NIH), most adults should consume about1000 mg calcium per day (Women over 50 and men over 70 are expected to increase this to 1,200 mg per day). For reference, a single Regular Tums® force contains 200 mg of mineral and an additional force dose contains 300 mg.

Medications are a common cause of hypercalcemia, but there are many others that might be to blame. According to the Mayo clinic, the most common cause has a hyperactive parathyroid gland, also called hyperparathyroidism. When it's the cause, it's often the result of a benign tumor on the gland. Some types of cancer are also associated with hypercalcemia - especially lung cancer,breast cancerAnd some forms of blood cancer, the notes of the Mayo Clinic.AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

In addition, there is a handful of prescription drugs known to contribute to hypercalcemia. Lithium, sometimes used to treat bipolar disorder can cause hormonal disturbances in the parathyroid glands. Thiazidic diuretics, used to treat hypertension and edema, can also cause hypercalcemia.

For more health news sent directly to your inbox,Sign up for our daily newsletter.

If you are at increased risk of hypercalcemia, or if you regularly take calcium carbonate medications, it is important to know the symptoms of the condition. According to the Mayo Clinic, excess calcium can affect the different organs and systems in the body apart from the heart.

Their experts explain thatyour kidneys Can work in overdrive to filter calcium, which can lead to a frequent urine and increased thirst. Some patients have gastrointestinal symptoms such as stomach, vomiting, constipation or nausea. The condition can also cause brain function problems: people with hypercalcemia can feel lethargy, confusion or fatigue. In severe cases, "hypercalcemia is known to causeNeuropsychiatric dysfunction including mood and cognitive change and rarely, acute psychosis, "adds an article 2020 in the newspaper Case reports in psychiatry .

Talk to your doctor if you think they have signs of hypercalcemia or if you suspect that you are high risk due to a pre-existing condition or drug use.

RELATED: Do not do this before the bed can hurt your heart, experts .