Heart expert said anyone taking exercise needs to be wary of commonly prescribed medications including ibuprofen and diuretics
People need to be wary of doing exercise while taking 5 types of common medication, an expert said(Image: Getty)
A cardiologist has raised an alert of the risks of taking a commonly prescribed medicine which is says could be ‘sabotaging your health’. Dr Aurelio Rojas said a number of drugs people across the UK take every day could cause problems.
In a new video on Instagram the Doctor explained that people need to be aware of some painkillers, nasal decongestants, antidepressants and Omeprazole.
He said: “If you do sports and take medication, you have to watch this video because I am going to explain what meds may be sabotaging your health without your knowledge. And I’m not talking about unusual medications; I’m referring to the ones you take on a regular basis. And many people take them without realising it.”
Although they seem harmless, their uncontrolled use, combined with intense exercise, can have adverse effects, as Dr Rojas warns. He said: “Omeprazole. If you take it regularly, it may alter the absorption of magnesium, iron and vitamin B12. This affects your energy, your recovery and the health of your heart.”
Omeprazole is primarily used to treat or prevent a range of conditions related to excess stomach acid. He highlighted common painkillers: “This is very common: ibuprofen, diclofenac or naproxen. Taking them before working out can damage your kidneys and increase the risk of a heart attack, especially if you are dehydrated.”
Next, he said people with colds need to watch out: “You’re going to be shocked about this one: nasal decongestant. Yes, those sprays or pills you take when you have a cold. Nasal decongestants increase blood pressure, accelerate heart rate, and can cause arrhythmias if used before intense exercise.”
High blood pressure treatments are to be wary of, especially during exercise: “This is very common to treat hypertension. Diuretics can make you lose potassium and magnesium. Result: cramps, tachycardia and tension drops in the middle of training.”
And number five, and very, very important, antidepressants such as amitriptyline affect the heart’s electrical conduction, increasing the risk of arrhythmias, especially in people who perform high-intensity exercise. It’s not about scaring you; it’s about training with your head and your heart.
As a cardiologist and sports medicine specialist, he has treated many patients who, despite being committed to their training, unknowingly harm their health. “What I often see is people taking ibuprofen, diclofenac, or naproxen to relieve muscle pain before training, and who also use omeprazole to protect their stomach. The problem is that we aren’t always aware of what these medications can do to our bodies.”
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like diclofenac and naproxen are medications that many people take as if they were harmless. However, he said: “These medications reduce inflammation and pain, but they also affect renal and cardiovascular circulation, especially if you take them before training.
“Dehydration, which is common during intense exercise, multiplies the risk of kidney damage and increases the likelihood of suffering a cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack.” This occurs because NSAIDs interfere with blood flow to the kidneys, which can lead to complications if not taken with the proper precautions.”
Nasal decongestants
Nasal decongestants are also commonly misused. Those sprays or pills that many people use when they have a cold can have little-known side effects. “Nasal decongestants increase blood pressure, accelerate heart rate, and can cause arrhythmias if used before intense exercise,” Rojas points out. “The problem is that many people use them without considering how they might affect their cardiovascular system while exercising. If you have a cold, it’s best to avoid strenuous exercise or, at least, check with your doctor to see if the medication is appropriate for you at that time.”
Diuretics
If you take diuretics to treat hypertension or a related condition, you should be especially cautious if you play sports. “Diuretics cause you to eliminate fluids and electrolytes through urine. This can lead to imbalances in the body, such as the loss of potassium and magnesium, which are essential for muscle function and regulating heart rhythm,” he warns. “It’s common for athletes not to realise that cramps, fatigue, and rapid heartbeat during training can be related to taking diuretics. Furthermore, if you don’t replenish these electrolytes, the risk of injury and heart problems increases.”
Content cannot be displayed without consentOmeprazole
Omeprazole, a medication used to treat gastric problems such as ulcers or reflux, is another drug that many people use without considering the long-term consequences. Although it protects the stomach by reducing acidity, prolonged use can interfere with the absorption of vital nutrients, such as magnesium, iron, and vitamin B12, affecting your energy, recovery, and cardiovascular health. “If you take omeprazole for long periods without proper medical supervision, you may be disrupting your nutrient levels and compromising your performance and heart health,” he explains.
Antidepressants
Finally, we can’t forget antidepressants, such as amitriptyline. “Amitriptyline and other antidepressants affect the heart’s electrical conduction, increasing the risk of arrhythmias, especially in people who perform high-intensity exercise,” warns the cardiologist. “If you take these medications, it’s essential that you talk to your doctor about how they may affect your physical activity, and don’t combine them with extreme training without a prior assessment.”
So, what should you do if you need to take one of these medications? Aurelio Rojas is clear: always consult a doctor, avoid self-medication, and review your medication regularly. “Stay well hydrated, monitor your electrolytes if you use diuretics or NSAIDs, get regular blood tests, review your dosage with your doctor, and if you are an athlete, have a complete medical check-up every year.”
What if I need them? Is there a safe way to take them?
Dr Rojas, said but with caution:
• Don’t take them before intense training.
• Stay well hydrated and monitor your electrolytes if you’re using diuretics or NSAIDs.
• Get regular blood tests if you’re using omeprazole long-term.
• Check with your doctor to see if you can adjust the dose or switch to safer alternatives.
• And if you’re an athlete, get a complete medical check-up every year.