A cardiac expert has a warning about common medications including painkillers that could be affecting your heart health, especially if you exercise regularlyBen Hurst, Robert Rowlands Deputy editor, money and lifestyle, content hub and Maria Ortega Foreign Content Specialist
14:33, 21 Mar 2026
Tablets in a blister pack of Omeprazole(Image: Getty)
A heart specialist has a warning about the dangers linked to commonly prescribed medications which he fears could be “sabotaging your health“. Dr Aurelio Rojas highlighted that medicines taken daily by people throughout Britain may lead to serious health issues depending on how they are used.
In a post shared on Instagram, the doctor emphasised that people must be conscious of certain painkillers, nasal decongestants and antidepressants, as well as Omeprazole, reports the Mirror. In advice given towards the end of last year that remains applicable now, he stated: “If you do sports and take medication, you have to watch this video.
“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.”
Despite appearing harmless, their unregulated usage, when combined with strenuous physical exercise, can produce hazardous consequences, the doctor warned. He explained: “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 chiefly prescribed to treat or prevent various conditions related to excessive stomach acid, reports the Mirror. Dr Rojas also highlighted widely-used painkillers as a worry. He explained: “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.”
He then warned those battling colds to take particular care, saying: “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.”
He further highlighted the risks associated with hypertension medications during physical activity, noting: “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.”
He continued: “Fifthly, and crucially, 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 specialist in both cardiology and sports medicine, he has treated countless patients who, despite their dedication to keeping fit, unknowingly put their health at risk. Speaking about his medical practice, Dr Rojas observed: “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) such as diclofenac and naproxen are medicines that many folk use as though they were completely safe.
Yet, he warned: “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 happens because NSAIDs disrupt blood flow to the kidneys, which can lead to serious complications if proper care isn’t taken.
Nasal decongestants
Nasal decongestants are frequently misused too. Those sprays or tablets that many folk reach for when they’ve got a cold can produce lesser-known adverse effects.
“Nasal decongestants increase blood pressure, accelerate heart rate, and can cause arrhythmias if used before intense exercise,” Dr Rojas stressed. “The problem is that many people use them without considering how they might affect their cardiovascular system whilst 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’ve been given diuretics to control hypertension or a comparable condition, you must take extra care when undertaking physical activity. Dr Rojas said: “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 cautions.
“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.”
Omeprazole
Omeprazole, a medication given to address stomach complaints such as ulcers or reflux, is another drug that numerous individuals take without considering the long-term consequences. Although it protects the stomach by reducing acidity, prolonged usage can interfere with the absorption of vital nutrients, including magnesium, iron, and vitamin B12, affecting your energy levels, recovery, and heart health. The cardiologist cautioned: “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.”
Antidepressants
Dr Rojas stated: “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 measures should you follow if you’re given one of these medications? He advised always consulting your doctor, avoiding self-medication, and having your prescriptions checked regularly.
He stated: “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 you need them? Dr Rojas provided guidance, albeit with a word of warning:
Don’t take them before rigorous 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.